ICAR-CICR brings latest technology to Maha cotton growers to boost productivity

Nagpur: As a symbolic gesture towards cotton growers of region, five progressive farmers were felicitated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) for their contribution in boosting production by adopting innovative methods of cultivation on Friday.The ICAR-CICR had organised a one-day pre-kharif kisan sammelan, aimed at enhancing cotton productivity and equipping farmers with the latest agricultural technologies, in which over 200 agriculturists from all over the state participated apart from senior scientists and officials.Agricultural scientist CD Mayee, former chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi, graced the occasion as chief guest. He explained the development action plan for scheduled castes (DAPSC) scheme being implemented by the ICAR-CICR.The main objective of the programme was to create awareness about cutting-edge techniques and best practices in cotton cultivation. Mayee urged the farmers to take advantage of the scheme.Director of ICAR-CICR YG Prasad explained the institute’s outreach activities and strategies to boost cotton productivity in Maharashtra. An exhibition showcased scalable technologies developed by the ICAR-CICR, including high-density planting system for rainfed marginal soils, canopy and nutrient management techniques, legume-based intercropping, and integrated pest and disease management strategies etc.Those felicitated were given kits containing essential tools and materials like battery-operated knapsack sprayer, vegetable seeds, pest management supplies, soluble fertilizers, and printed leaflets.Farmers Naresh Chandrwar, Sandhya Darwesh, and Swapnil Patil expressed their gratitude for the support received from ICAR-CICR. Nodal officer at ICAR-CICR JH Meshram emphasized on the institute’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, especially those from the below poverty line (BPL) and scheduled caste and scheduled tribe groups. He said the institute has provided pairs of goats to promote animal husbandry and to generate additional income for the marginal farmers.(Reporting by Suyash Thakre and Astha Tiwari)