Exposure Visit under WDC-PMKSY 2.0

Key Highlights of the Tour

1. Apiculture (Commercial Beekeeping)

• Farmers were introduced to Commercial Beekeeping as a viable income-generating option.
• Trainers explained the different types of bee-hives and their structures, along with key beekeeping tools like Smokers, Scrapers, and Bee Brushes.
• Farmers were taught the process of colony multiplication, queen bee capturing, and techniques for honey extraction and many more. These processes are essential to scaling up honey production, which can serve as a supplemental income source.

2. Polyhouse Farming

• The farmers received an exposure on Polyhouse Farming, which involves growing crops in a controlled environment, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.
• Polyhouse help in the production of off-season crops, allowing farmers to earn more by producing when demand is high.
• The importance and method of controlling the Polyhouse environment- temperature, humidity, and light—was emphasized, as this optimizes crop growth.

3. Vertical Farming (Multi-layered Farming)

• The concept of Vertical Farming, also known as multi-layered farming, was introduced to the farmers. This technique allows for multiple layers of crops to be cultivated in a small area.
• This is especially beneficial for farmers in hilly regions where land availability is limited.
• Farmers were shown how to set up vertical farming systems and manage crops at different levels, making the most efficient use of limited land resources.

4. Practical Demonstrations

• Farmers witnessed hands-on demonstrations of each technique.
• They observed practical applications of the new technologies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how these methods could be implemented in their own farms.
• The trainers provided insights on how these innovations can be tailored for hilly areas like Pauri Garhwal, addressing specific regional challenges like limited arable land and unpredictable weather conditions.