A training-cum-demonstration programme on “Drudgery reduction and value addition through post harvest processing of food crops” was organized in Naugaon block of Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha for SC women farmers to commemorate 75th Indian Independence as AZADI KA AMRUT MAHOTSAV by ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar on 21st August, 2021 under SCSP programme.

At the outset, Dr. Sachidananda Swain, Sr. Scientist (AS&PE), welcomed the participants and briefed about the programme and urged for the use of improved agricultural tools such as Thresher-cum-Winnower, Seed Treatment Drum, Cono Weeder etc. among farm women for reducing drudgery in on/off field conditions and use of improved vegetable seeds as a mean to enhance yield and productivity. Proper post harvest management to locally available fruits and vegetables is the need of hour for reducing post harvest losses (PHL) and better price realization through development of value added products like RTS beverages, jam, pickle, dried powder. Farmers have shown their interest for the establishment of small scale processing unit for tomato which are heavily wasted during market glut. Dr. Praveen Jakhar, Sr. Scientist (Agronomy), described about application of safe dose of fertilizer and pesticides especially in paddy and vegetable field, use of neem based bio-controlling pesticides, vermicompost preparation for maintaining healthy soil and appropriate time of harvesting of crops.Er. Dwarika Mohan Das, Scientist as Resource Person from KVK, Jagatsinghpur highlighted about drudgery reduction equipments, food processing gadgets, time-management for rural women for better field activities at par with men counterparts and discusses about different Govt. schemes to enhance livelihood security for SC women.

Distribution of small post harvest/field preparation tools (improved sickles, sprayer, rose can, bill hook, hand hoe and spade etc) and vegetable seeds (Okra, Brinjal, tomato, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, pumpkin, cucumber etc) was also done to 52 SC women farmers. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sachidananda Swain, Dr. Praveen Jakhar, Er. Pragati Kishore Rout, Sr. Technical Assistant.