A Farmer-Scientist Interface meeting and Distribution of Critical Input was held on 3rd April, 2025 at Khukkham Village of Kundam Block of Jabalpur under Farmer FIRST Programme

A Farmer-Scientist Interface meeting and Distribution of Critical Input programme was successfully organized on 3rd April, 2025, at Khukkham village of Kundam block, Jabalpur, under the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP). The event witnessed active participation of 43 farmers, including 30 Mahila Kisans. As part of the programme, greengram (variety;Virat) seeds were distributed among 25 farmers, which included 15 Women Farmers of Khukkham and Ranipur villages. This initiative aims to introduce greengram cultivation in fallow areas after wheat and to promote crop diversification in these adopted villages.

Dr. P.K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator of FFP, provided a comprehensive deliberation on the cultivation practices of greengram, covering key aspects such as land preparation, optimum sowing time, seed rate, nutrient and water management practices, weed control measures, pest and disease management strategies, harvesting and post-harvest handling. His detailed insights were well received by the farmers, who actively participated in the discussion and sought clarifications on various agronomic aspects.

The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Jamaludheen A., Scientist, and Co-PI and facilitated by Ms. Monika Raghuwanshi, Senior Research Fellow (SRF) of the Farmer FIRST Programme. The Farmer-Scientist Interface meeting at Khukkham village was highly informative and impactful. The active participation of farmers, particularly Mahila Kisans, highlighted their growing interest in scientific farming techniques. The distribution of greengram seeds of short duration high yielding variety (Virat) as critical input is expected to improve greengram productivity in fallow areas in these adopted villages.