Distribution of machinery to TSP beneficiaries Under Tribal Sub Plan, Govt. of India
Distribution of machinery to TSP beneficiaries
Under Tribal Sub Plan, Govt. of India
ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa, is involved in Tribal Welfare projects funded by the Tribal Sub-plan, Ministry of Tribal Welfare, GOI since 2011 under the leadership of its director, Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh. These projects benefit the Small and Marginal Tribal Farmers of Goa by Training and Sensitization to improved methods and technologies in agriculture and animal husbandry, distribution of farm inputs like planting material, chicks, chemicals, fertilizers, bio-control agents, vaccines, pumps, farm and processing machinery and advisory of experts.
Under these activities, a program was arranged in the forenoon of July 5, 2014 for distribution of farm machinery viz. 12 Power tillers (13 Hp), 6 Power tillers (9 Hp) with all accessories including Mould board plough, cage wheels, rotavator, cultivator etc. and 6 mini rotary tillers costing Rs. 2,06,455/-, Rs. 1, 99, 630/- and Rs. 73,560/- respectively to 225 farmers of 18 wards belonging to Gaodongrim, Morpirla, Cotigaon and Cola under Agricultural Mechanization Programme for Small and Marginal Farmers of Goa under Project leadership of Dr. Mathala Juliet Gupta, Scientist (Agril. Engg.).
Similarly, five sets of processing equipment viz., Jackfruit cutting machine, jackfruit Chips cutter, kokum cutting Machine, Electric Cabinet dryer, Mini mill, sealing machine, wet-grinder and utensils and cutlery worth Rs. 8,22,110/- were distributed to 100 farmers of Gaodongrim, Poinguinim, Morpirla, Mardol, Priol and Karmali under the project “Empowering Tribes of Goa with Post-Harvest Machinery for Processing and Value Addition in Minor Fruits” headed by project leader, Dr. S. Priya Devi, Senior Scientist (Horticulture).
The Chief guest of the function was Mr. Narendra Sawaikar, Hon’ble M.P. , South Goa. The function was presided by Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa. The program began with welcome address by Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, Director. He gave a background about the Tribal Sub Plan programmes of the institute under which a total of 2 crore and 55 lakh rupees have been spent during the past three years for tribal farmers of Goa, and the various areas in which ICAR Research Complex for Goa is striving for the service of tribal farmers of Goa. He also pointed out the various areas of Agriculture in Goa which can be strengthened if all stakeholders worked in synergy. He also stressed upon the significant role that the Ministry of Tribal Welfare, Govt. of Goa can play by joining hands with the institute.
This was followed by a brief project report by the project leader, Dr. Mathala Juliet Gupta. She gave an overview about the project and briefed about the activities and achievements of the project from 2011-2014. The project has impacted the tribal farmers’ financially by higher productivity through timely inputs and extra income by custom hiring, socially by facilitating formation of 40 tribal Self Help / Farmer Groups. But she felt that mechanization has to go hand in hand with infrastructural inputs such as approach roads, irrigation system etc.
Then, Dr. S. Priya Devi explained about the need for processing of minor fruits so as to prevent wastage of fruits like kokum and jack fruit.
Besides Sewing machines were also distributed to ten women, belonging to tribal community by the chief guest.
In his address, the chief guest, Shri. Narendra Sawaikar, Hon’ble MP, South Goa appreciated ICAR RC Goa for its dedicated work for Goa while pointing out to the farmers that they should utilize the inputs and expertise of Scientists for agricultural development of their areas and their state. He also assured infrastructural inputs for the tribal farmers through Govt intervention at the earliest.
The chief guest requested the beneficiaries to maintain and utilize the equipments properly.