''Scientists-Farmwomen Interface and Capacity Building Programme on Improved Methods of Paddy Cultivation'' was organized under the Project on ‘Developing gender sensitive model for doubling farmers’ income by addressing gender concerns and technological gaps’ at Nuasahi village in Nimapara block of Puri district on 6th June, 2018. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. S.K. Srivastava, Director, ICAR-CIWA, which was graced by the participation of a cluster of 50 farmwomen from different villages of Nimapara block. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the role of women in enhancing farm income, and in reducing the farm expenditure using different technological options for recycling of farm wastes. He also created awareness among the farmwomen on integrated pest management practices.

On this occasion, the participants were given awareness on the improved varieties of paddy suitable for low land areas. About 10 quintals of truthfully labeled seeds of ''Swarna Sub-1'' variety, which can tolerate complete submergence for two weeks,  procured from ICAR-National Rice Research Institute were also distributed to the participants, to replace the traditional low yielding varieties, in about 100 acres. 

The interface also sensitized the farm families about the project objectives, needs and gender concerns in accessing productive resources and extension services, and adoption of various vocations with entrepreneurship mode and on the latest technologies in agriculture and allied sectors.

Awareness was also created among farmwomen on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, about the significance of hygiene and sanitation, keeping the hamlet neat and clean, prompt method of waste disposal and composting of agricultural wastes.

The Scientific and Technical team from ICAR-CIWA, consisting of Dr. Sabita Mishra, Smt. Ankita Sahu, Shri. Manoranjan Prusty and Shri. B.C. Behera delivered technical talks and attended the queries of the farm families, covering the subjects, development of mushroom based enterprises through value addition, formation of farmwomen producer company, improved methods of vegetable cultivation, improved methods of paddy cultivation, and drudgery reducing farm tools suitable for farmwomen. The PI of the project, Dr. J. Charles Jeeva coordinated the programme.