Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada 2025 and Farmer-Scientist interface meeting were organized on 14th November 2025 at Khukkham village, Kundam block, Jabalpur, under Farmer FIRST Programme

As part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada 2025-an initiative aimed at celebrating tribal heritage and strengthening livelihood opportunities, an awareness and farmer-scientist interface meeting on establishing Tribal Farmers’ Markets for direct sale of produce, feedback of the farmers on hybrid rice production and weed management, and upcoming activities of Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP), were organised on 14 November 2025 at Khukkham village, Kundam block, Jabalpur, under the Farmer FIRST Programme.

Dr. P. K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, FFP, highlighted the importance of local farmers’ markets in ensuring fair prices, reducing intermediaries, improving the economic security of tribal households and discussed in detail about the weed management and productivity of hybrid rice with the adopted farmers. In addition, he also discussed about the upcoming activities of FFP on training and distribution of critical inputs.

Dr. Dasari Srikanth, Scientist and Co-PI of FFP and Dr. Sahadeo I.K., Scientist, also interacted with the farmers on market linkages, sustainable farming practices and created awareness on the contribution of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in freedom struggle. A total of 40 tribal farmers, including 22 Mahila Kisans, attended and benefited from the programme.