- Scientific cultivation of grafted tomatoes and brinjals was given to farmers in Keremuda.
- Over 1 lakh saplings distributed in Nagari development block, reducing costs and increasing farmers’ income
- A unique joint initiative of the District Panchayat, PRADAN and Gattasilli FPO
Amid the challenges of changing climate in Kharif and Rabi seasons, a major initiative has been taken in Dhamtari district to increase the income of farmers and provide them safe, quality produce at low cost. A one-day block level training program on scientific cultivation of grafted tomato and brinjal was organized in Keremuda village of Nagari development block of the district. This special training, organized under the guidance of the District Panchayat, was conducted by PRADAN organization.
A large number of local farmers, including Krishi Sakhis and Master Trainers from the Nagari and Magarlod development blocks, participated in this training. The primary objective of the program was to introduce farmers to modern and scientific techniques of grafted vegetable production and inspire them to adopt climate-friendly, sustainable, and more profitable farming.
- More than 1 lakh grafted plants distributed
Officials said that under this livelihood mission, a total of 1,01,800 grafted plants have been distributed to farmers in the Nagari development block. This includes 51,800 grafted tomato and 50,000 grafted eggplant plants. According to experts, grafted plants are much stronger than normal plants. Their root system is strong, which gives them greater disease resistance. These plants grow rapidly even in adverse weather and produce bumper yields, which helps farmers get better prices for their crops in the market.
- Grafted plants are less prone to diseases and yields are doubled.
Grafting is a scientific technique that involves attaching the upper part (scion) of a high-yielding plant to the strong root part (rootstock) of one plant to create a new “super plant.” This reduces disease resistance and can even double yields.
- Live demonstration given on the farm itself
The most important aspect of the training was the live field demonstrations conducted on the farm. Instead of providing farmers with bookish knowledge, they were taken directly to the fields and given live demonstrations of land preparation, plant treatment, scientific planting, mulching, moisture conservation, and organic farming techniques.
In addition, agricultural experts taught the nuances of integrated pest and disease management (IPM), soil health, the proper use of biofertilizers, and post-harvest management. During the interactive session, farmers shared their daily farming problems, to which experts provided on-the-spot scientific solutions.
- FPO and PRADAN got strong support
The Gattasilli Farmer Producer Company (FPO) has played a key role in bringing this entire campaign to fruition, providing farmers with advanced grafted plants and essential organic fertilizers. Meanwhile, Pradaan is developing the skills of Krishi Sakhis and farmers by providing them with continuous technical and practical training throughout the crop cycle.
This three-pronged initiative (administration, FPO, and provider organization), under the guidance of the Dhamtari District Panchayat, is introducing a new model of modern, environmentally friendly, and sustainable farming in the Nagari and Magarlod development blocks. This will not only strengthen rural livelihoods but also provide a new dimension to nutritional security at the local level.
