Noida, Uttar Pradesh, December 16, 2023: Gram Unnati, India’s fastest growing agri-tech company, as a part of its initiative ‘Agriculture Programme to Improve Farmer Income’ in association with National Sustainable Spice Programme (NSSP) organized a comprehensive training and awareness program tailored for coriander farmers, a vital cash crop for 25 villages in the region. Bringing together nearly 100 dedicated farmers, this event served as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, enriched by the presence of esteemed agricultural experts.
Baran, known for its dry and arid conditions, stands as an ideal region for the scientific cultivation of coriander. Recognizing its significance as a popular cash crop requiring minimal water and agricultural inputs while thriving in Baran’s soil and climate, the focus on coriander cultivation was both strategic and essential.
Amidst the gathering, Dr. Takht Singh Rajpurohit, lead trainer of NSSP, Dr. Sunil from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and Dr. Nand Bihari, the Assistant District Horticulture Officer joined forces with Gram Unnati’s experts for the awareness camp.
Emphasizing the objective, Aneesh Jain, the CEO & Founder of Gram Unnati, said: “We want to empower farmers with the best crop yielding techniques that would give them optimal market returns. Experts shared the best integrated pest management and nutrient practices with the farmers. They were also given training on unconventional yet effective methods, such as intercropping with garlic to repel insects due to its strong odour. Experts also recommended that farmers must try to revert to certain traditional practices such as manual hoeing and tilling of the crop to manage weeds and reduce their dependence on weedicides. These practices will also eventually lead to better soil health.”
Coriander serves as a primary income source for farmers in Baran and adjoining areas, underscoring the importance of timely access to relevant information. Managing pests and diseases becomes a formidable challenge, demanding constant knowledge updates.
The gathering also fostered a vibrant exchange of knowledge and field-level expertise among farmers, championing a culture of sharing best practices. Malkeet Singh, the Sarpanch of Badipura Village, highlighted how such events serve as invaluable exposure visits for farmers. Moreover, Dr. Nand Bihari enlightened farmers about available Government Schemes and subsidies, providing them with informative folders containing details about these resources, the monthly newspaper of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and comprehensive guidelines for coriander cultivation prepared by Gram Unnati.