| ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized a Field Day-cum-Scientist-Farmers Interface on “Bio-fortified Potato and Sweet Potato” under the project Integration of Biofortified Tuber Crops in Cropping System for Nutrition and Livelihood Improvement of Farm Families on 02 Mar 2026. The objective of the Field Day was to demonstrate the cultivation of bio-fortified potato and sweet potato among the women farmers. The field experiment on performance of biofortified sweet potato varieties/improved lines (Bhu Sona, Bhu Krishna, SP-95/4) under different manure and compost were demonstrated among the participants. The combine impact of organic manure/compost and Inorganic fertilizers helps in increasing the tuber yield of bio-fortified sweet potato were explained to the trainees. On this event, the participants were witnessed the effect of zero tillage and straw mulching (both paddy straw and millet straw) on growth and yield performance of bio-fortified potato varieties like Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Jamunia and Kufri Manik at ICAR-CIWA experimental farm. Zero tillage straw mulching is a sustainable farming practice that involves sowing of potato tubers directly into the soil without ploughing and covering the soil surface with a thick layer of straw, it significantly reduces the irrigation requirement. During this program, a Scientist-Farmers Interface was also organized to discuss the issues and queries of collaborative women farmers regarding the cultivation practices of bio-fortified potato and sweet potato and the project team tried to address the issues and provide better technological solution to the participants. The participants also visited the ICAR-CTCRI RC Bhubaneswar where the demonstration on site specific nutrient management in sweet potato cultivation was discussed. A total of 25 women farmer from Dhenkanal, Puri and Khordha districts were participated in the programme. The program was coordinated by Dr. Tania Seth, Scientist, ICAR-CIWA. |
