Guwahati, Jan 12: In a significant step towards advancing coconut cultivation practices, the Coconut Development Board, in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development, USTM, organized a district-level workshop on 12th January 2024. The event, held at USTM, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100 farmers from Killing Dorbar.
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr. B. K Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor USTM, along with the Guests of Honour, Dr. Papiya Dutta and Dr. Sanjib Kr. Dutta, Associate Professor and Professor, respectively, from the Department of Rural Development, USTM, graced the program with their insightful presence.
Distinguished resource persons included Prof. Sarat Saikia, Principal Scientist at HRS, AAU Kahikuchi Guwahati, Dr. Rajat Kumar Paul, Director of CDB, and Smti Panchi Rajkhowa, Field Officer CDB, RO, Guwahati. The collaboration aimed to equip farmers of the region with cutting-edge scientific techniques, ensuring enhanced productivity and sustainability in coconut cultivation.
The workshop focused on imparting knowledge about the latest advancements in coconut cultivation, addressing challenges faced by farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The resource persons shared their expertise, providing valuable insights into modern agricultural methodologies.
Dr. B. K Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor USTM, expressed his optimism about the positive impact the workshop would have on the agricultural landscape.
The training program not only fostered a platform for knowledge exchange but also facilitated networking among farmers and experts. The collaboration between academic institutions, government bodies, and field experts underlined the commitment towards promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.
This training initiative resulted in the formation of a Farmers Interest Group and Farmer’s Producers Organisation. This strategic move aims to facilitate farmers to benefit more economically, fostering collective development within their community.
The Coconut Development Board and the Department of Rural Development, USTM, believe that such initiatives play a crucial role in elevating the socio-economic status of farmers, ensuring food security, and contributing to the overall growth of the agriculture sector.