Bihar & Jharkhand Farmers Empowered: Vermicomposting for Sustainable Agriculture & Waste Management

Patna: In a bid to promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower farmers, the ICAR-Agricultural Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-IV Patna organized a two-day training program on Microbial Based Agricultural Waste Management through Vermicomposting. Held under the Swachata Action Plan, the program aimed to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage agricultural waste using the innovative Jai-Gopal vermicomposting technique.

Reaching Across States: The program, conducted on February 1st and 2nd, 2024, catered to farmers from six districts across Bihar and Jharkhand: Ranchi, Godda, Deoghar, Begusarai, Nawada, and Jehanabad. A total of 120 farmers actively participated, demonstrating their keen interest in adopting this eco-friendly waste management solution.

Knowledge Nuggets from Experts: Dr. Ranveer Singh, a technical expert from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, played a pivotal role in the program. He shed light on the significance of the Jai-Gopal vermiculture technique, emphasizing its potential for effective waste disposal and value addition through the creation of nutrient-rich vermicompost. This valuable knowledge, coupled with insights shared by Dr. Pragya Bhadauria, Senior Scientist at ATARI, and Dr. Amarendra Kumar, Dr. Tejaswani Kapil, equipped the farmers with a comprehensive understanding of the technique.

Practical Learning and Knowledge Sharing: The program wasn't limited to theoretical knowledge. A live demonstration of the Jai-Gopal vermi-culture process provided participants with a hands-on experience. Additionally, the program facilitated knowledge exchange between farmers, allowing them to share their indigenous knowledge and practical experiences related to sustainable agricultural waste management. This peer-to-peer learning fostered a collaborative environment and enriched the overall learning experience.

Empowering Farmers, Enriching Land: The program concluded with the distribution of Jaigopal vermi-culture kits to the participating farmers. This initiative not only empowers them to manage their agricultural waste effectively but also equips them with a tool to enrich their land with organic fertilizer, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and soil health.

Positive Impact and Looking Ahead: The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from the farmers highlight the success of the program. With newfound knowledge and skills, these empowered individuals are poised to make a significant contribution towards sustainable agricultural practices in their regions. The ICAR-ATARI Patna, under the leadership of Director-in-Charge Mohd. Monobrullah, Principal Scientist, remains committed to organizing such informative and impactful programs, empowering farmers and fostering a more sustainable agricultural future.