SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 8: A team of faculty members and research scholars from the Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with experts from Birsa Agriculture University (BAU), conducted a training session for tribal farmers in the Nala and Kundit areas of Jamtara.
The training aimed to promote scientific farming practices to improve agricultural productivity and economic well-being.
Team and training focus
The team was led by Prof. Rashmi Singh, Principal Investigator of the project, and included Prof. Niladri Das (Department of Management Studies and Industrial Engineering), Prof. B.K. Aggarwal (a specialist in soil chemistry), and Prof. M.K. Barnwal (an expert in plant pathology from BAU).
During the session, the experts educated farmers on soil quality, the use of soil health cards, and methods to identify and manage plant diseases effectively.
The primary objective of the programme was to enhance the economic conditions of Scheduled Tribe communities by applying theoretical knowledge and operational techniques to improve farming practices.
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The training also emphasised soil management and crop health, equipping farmers with practical strategies to optimize productivity.
Farming techniques and crop management
The experts offered valuable insights into the use of fertilizers to boost crop yields, improve seed quality, and increase income through more efficient cropping systems.
Prof. Rashmi Singh remarked that the training provided farmers with tools to support sustainable growth in their communities, ensuring long-term improvements in agricultural practices.
She further added that the training was designed to offer local farmers practical solutions for better soil management and overall crop health, which would directly impact their livelihoods.
Research and impact assessment
In addition to the training, a team of research scholars including Sumita, Deep Chowdhury, Pawan Kumar, Nilesh Kumar, Sunny Kumar, Anand Chandra Sahu, and Dipen, conducted a control group survey on October 6 and 7. A follow-up group survey will also be conducted to assess the impact of the training programme on the farmers.
The session witnessed active participation from local farmers, Krishak Mitra, NGO members, and village heads (Mukhiya). The involvement of these key stakeholders highlighted the collective effort to enhance the agricultural practices and economic well-being of the region.