Exposure Visit under GEF-6 Project
Client: Watershed Department, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Year: 2024
Green Pahadi Foundation, in collaboration with the Watershed Department of district Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand organized an Exposure Visit of 3 days (05-07 Oct 2024) for 25 farmers at All India Farmers Fair and Agro Industry Exhibition at Pantnagar University, Pantnagar, organized under Activity 1.2.3.7 Knowledge Sharing Interstate of GEF-6 project. The fair is held twice annually and serves as a knowledge hub for innovations in agriculture, particularly suited to the challenges faced in hilly regions. This visit aimed to familiarize the farmers with new tools, technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices that could help enhance their productivity in hilly terrains.
Key Highlights of the Farmer’s Tour
- Drone Technology and Power Tools: Farmers were introduced to modern technologies like drones, which can be used for monitoring crop health and spraying pesticides, and power tools that can help with tasks like ploughing and weeding. These tools are particularly useful in the hilly regions where manual labor can be challenging.
- Seed Varieties for Hilly Areas: Scientists and experts emphasized the importance of choosing the right seed varieties for hilly terrains. The farmers were shown different crop varieties that are more suitable for hilly areas which are resistant to cold and pests, which ensures better yields.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The focus was on climate-smart farming, organic practices, and soil and water conservation. Farmers learned how these methods could help conserve natural resources while increasing crop productivity.
- Networking Opportunities: The Kisan Mela provided an ideal platform for interaction. Farmers had the chance to speak with scientists, vendors, and other farmers, came from different regions of Northern India, gaining practical knowledge and advice on how to apply these technologies to their farms.
Learning Outcomes
- Improved knowledge of modern tools and technology, such as drones and power tools, which can increase farming efficiency in hilly terrains.
- Gaining knowledge of appropriate seed varieties and sustainable farming practices, promoting better yields and profitability.
- Market linkages and networking opportunities that can help farmers gain better access to resources and sales channels.
- Motivation to implement new techniques and innovations that can benefit their communities.
The Farmer Tour to GBPUAT’s Kisan Mela was a successful learning experience for the farmers. The exposure to new technologies, sustainable practices, and networking opportunities will empower them to adopt innovative approaches and improve their livelihoods in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand.
