Field Day under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) at Indrawada, Gaondongrim

A field day was successfully organized under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) programme on 15th September 2025 at Indrawada, Gaondongrim, to create awareness and impart practical knowledge to tribal farmers on diversified and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme served as an interactive platform for farmers to gain first-hand insights into integrated farming systems (IFS) and related allied activities.
Dr. Paramesha V., Scientist, delivered an informative session on the concept, components, and benefits of Integrated Farming Systems, highlighting how integration of crops, livestock, and horticultural components can enhance resource-use efficiency, recycle on-farm biomass, improve soil health, and ensure year-round income and nutritional security. Dr. Shripad Bhat elaborated on the economics and profitability aspects of adopting integrated farming systems, presenting field-based evidence on income enhancement, risk minimization, and resilience building for small and marginal farmers in tribal regions. His talk helped farmers understand how adopting IFS can improve their livelihoods sustainably. During the interactive session, participating farmers discussed their experiences and sought technical guidance on the cultivation and management of black pepper and seasonal vegetables, particularly focusing on crop management practices suited to local agro-climatic conditions. The scientists addressed their queries and provided context-specific recommendations to enhance productivity and profitability.
As part of the programme, input distribution was also undertaken, wherein quality planting materials of arecanut and Phospho-Enriched Organic Manure (PROM) were distributed to the participating farmers to encourage them to adopt improved planting material and integrated nutrient management practices in their farms. In total, 25 tribal farmers participated, and this field day was organized and coordinated by Dr. Paramesha V., Dr. Shripad Bhat, and Mr. Payak Padkar. The programme was well-received by the farmers, who expressed keen interest in adopting integrated farming system approaches demonstrated during the event.