Brainstorming on Challenges in Mechanization of Onion and Garlic

5^th December 2017, Rajgurunagar

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, Pune in collaboration with Indian Society of Alliums, Pune and National Horticultural Research & Development Foundation, Nashik organized a one-day brainstorming session on “Challenges in Mechanization of Onion and Garlic in India” on December 02, 2017 at ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune to discuss the scope and challenges in onion and garlic cultivation and develop strategy and plan for better mechanization.

Dr. K. E. Lawande, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli & Ex-Director, ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune in his inaugural address emphasized on  the need of formation of group of farmers to adopt direct seeding technology. The booklet on “Mechanization of Onion and Garlic Cultivation-Way Forward” was released on this occasion.

Dr. T. Jankiram, ADG (Horticulture Science) appreciated ICAR-DOGR for taking initiatives to organize the brainstorming on challenges in mechanization of onion and garlic.  He appreciated the Directorate for taking enormous efforts in improving socio-economic status of tribal farmers of Nandurbar district of Maharashtra. Dr. Jankiram emphasized on promotion of mechanization technologies to decrease post-harvest losses of onion and garlic. He further stated that the machineries developed by different manufacturers should have low maintenance.

Dr. Major Singh, Director, ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune briefed about the recent achievements of the Institute

Dr. Lakhan Singh, Director, ATARI, Pune expressed that the need based mechanization would help the farmers to double their income. He further stated that the best skill oriented latest technology should be provided to the KVKs for its further dissemination to farmers. 

Dr. S. L. Jadhav, Director, NHM & Agricultural Extension emphasized on transfer of technology from progressive farmers to other farmers of their particular villages. He urged researchers to develop technologies basically to solve seed shortage problem in garlic. He urged the farmers to establish Farmers’ Producer Companies for quality seed production and sale.
Mr. D. M. Sable, Director, MSAMB, Mumbai stressed on mechanization to minimize the cost incurred on labourers. 

Live demonstrations were carried out at ICAR-DOGR farm by the various manufacturing agencies.

The brainstorming session created awareness on various issues related to mechanization in onion and garlic crops.

Researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and farmers were participated in the programme and exchanged their views and experiences.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, Pune)