Awareness-cum-Mega Plant Protection Input Distribution Programme Organised for SC Farmers in the Ecologically Vulnerable Sundarbans Region at SSKVK, Narendrapur

7 March 2026, Narendrapur

Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, organised an Awareness-cum-Mega Plant Protection Input Distribution Programme for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers of the ecologically vulnerable Sundarbans region. The programme was conducted with financial support from the ICAR–National Research Institute of Integrated Pest Management under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme.

The initiative aimed to strengthen scientific crop protection practices, enhance farm productivity, and improve the livelihoods of SC farmers through targeted input support and awareness on modern pest management strategies.

Addressing the participants, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, emphasised the importance of reaching underserved farming communities through targeted input support, scientific training, and capacity-building initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry. He highlighted that such interventions play a crucial role in enhancing the income of marginal farmers, particularly women.

Dr Dey also stressed the need to strengthen market linkages and value chains by connecting farmers with cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and organised market channels, enabling small-scale initiatives to evolve into viable and bankable livelihood opportunities, thereby fostering sustainable socio-economic development and inclusive rural growth in West Bengal.

Maharaj Soumitra, RKMVERI highlighted the significance of such programmes in enhancing livelihood security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices among SC farmers in the region.

A total of 100 farmers and farm women participated in the programme. During the event, the participants were provided with plant protection inputs and detailed technical guidance on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to promote eco-friendly and effective crop protection.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)