ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized an Awareness Campaign on Bio-fortification/ Nutri cereal millets/ Crop Diversification under the mega campaign “Kisan Bhagidari Prathamikta Hamari” at Budhei village, Nimapada Block, Puri District of Odisha on 28th April 2022 in hybrid mode by following COVID guidelines. Dr. Neetish Kumar, Scientist delivered the welcome address. In his address, Dr. Kumar appreciated the farmers for surplus food grain production in the country and he attributed it to the hard work of farmers, efficient research by the scientists and farmer friendly policy of the government. Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, Principal Scientist, highlighted the importance of the campaign on Bio-fortification/ Nutri cereal millets/ Crop Diversification in the present context. He stressed on development of Bio-fortified crops and promotion of Nutri cereals especially millets for strengthening nutrition security in the country. About 150 participants participated in the programme.

A Training cum Demonstration Programme on “Improved Package of Practices for Higher Income through Backyard Poultry Farming was also organized on the same day. Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, highlighted the importance of backyard poultry on livelihood improvement and household nutrition of farm families. He advised the farm women to follow standard management practices for higher production and income through backyard poultry rearing. He stressed on importance of housing, feeding and disease management of birds for making the backyard poultry production a successful enterprise. Various poultry equipments were demonstrated to the farm women during the training. At the end of the training 15 chicks, 5kg feed, one feeder and one waterer were distributed to each of the 40 selected SC farm women beneficiaries under the SCSP Programme. The programme was coordinated by Dr. A. K. Panda, Principal Scientist, Mr. Neetish Kumar, Scientist, Er. Pragati Rout, Technical Assistant and Er. Subrat Kumar Das, Technical Assistant. The programme was organized as a part of the “Bharat Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to commemorate 75 Years of India’s Independence.