The Agro & Rural Development Forum of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) conducted a workshop on “Industry’s contribution in reforms in Agriculture Economy’ recently at Mahalgaon, Nagpur. The session was organised with the intention to apprise the farmers about Government schemes; marketing of agriculture products; progressive marketing; ‘Goushala - A boon to farmers’, agriculture implements, and value addition to the farm product. Shachi Mallick, Convener of the forum, in her opening remarks informed the participating farmers about VIA and its activities and how the Agro & Rural Development Forum is enthusiastic to help the farmers by establishing a helpdesk for hand holding of farmers and linking with the Government schemes. Suresh Rathi, President - VIA, in his welcome address advised the farmers to take advantage of all the benefits of technology and the advancement of knowledge. Further, he said that farmers should use the latest information and make every village an ‘Adarsh Village’. He also suggested the participants to apply new methods of agriculture practices in their farms, so that the next generation of the families of farmers will be interested in carrying forward their ancestor’s agriculture work. R B Goenka, Vice President of VIA shared his concepts to minimize the input cost in farming, importance of water harvesting. He said that industries are also dependent on the farmers and industries can progress only if the farmers become successful.

 

Agro & Rural Development Forum will provide the required platform to the farmers to support for their growth. He also explained about the value added to the farm products such as mango pulp, Jamun pulp, etc. to get more value to their crop. Pranjal Wagh, Sarpanch of Kadholi village, appreciated the efforts of the Agro Forum for conducting and bringing knowledgeable, agri-entrepreneur speakers under one umbrella to improve and clear the doubts of farmers. She advised the youth and farmers to take maximum benefits of the sessions and take support of the expert speakers of VIA and grow more value addition to their crops as well as yield good organic crops in their farms. Pragati Gokhale, Founder & Mentor for mission ‘Mera Mobile Mera Marketing’ explained about marketmirchi.com portal and showed the practical demonstration with examples how to use it. She said this portal is an initiative for Indian farmers to sell products online totally free. Indigenous, responsive web portal MarketMirchi.com highlights all rural and agro categories for free digital marketing of rural and agro products, SHG (self-help-group) products, rural services and rural jobs. This portal is completely mobile responsive.

 

She said, farmers are experts in growing the good quality crops, but if they learn to market their own products then they will get more profit. Manjusha Raut, Taluka Krishi Adhikari, informed the farmers about the online application procedure of various schemes of the Government made for the agriculture sector. Dr Jugalkishor Agrawal, Project Coordinator, shared the information and demonstrated the various agriculture implements and instruments used for improving the agriculture economy with the support of industries. He also advised and shared details of goat and poultry farming projects. Lastly, he showed a practical demonstration of the variety of agricultural instruments available to save energy with the physical efforts of the farmers. Om Jajodia, Chairman of VIA Agro & Rural Development Forum, spoke on the importance of cow-based farming. Dr Kirti Sirothiya, Kiran Gokhale, Amogh and all the members of the forum worked hard for the success of this programme. Dr Jugalkishor Agrawal summed up the session and proposed a formal vote of thanks. Laxmikant Padoli, Director of Neem Foundation, Ravindra Nikase, Sarpanch – Nihigaon; Shyamrao Sheshrao Aajode, Sarpanch – Kapsi were present.