ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized an Awareness Programme and Farmer-Scientist Interaction at Sagada village, Nimapada Block, Puri District of Odisha on 07th June, 2022 under the project “Design and Development of Gender Sensitive Integrated Vertical Nutri-farming System (IVNFS) for Household Nutrition and Income”.

Dr. Tania Seth, Scientist (Vegetable Science) and PI of the project welcomed all participants and described the importance of vertical farming and rainbow diets through incorporation of coloured vegetables in daily diet is essential for protection from many diseases. She highlighted about the integrated vertical nutri-farming system model, an innovative approach, for growing of nutritious vegetable crops in the vertical structure along with integration of mushroom cultivation or poultry farming to provide balanced diet all year round. She encouraged the farm women to adopt women friendly integrated vertical farming system for ensuring dietary diversity and nutrition security from a small area around the rural households. Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, Principal Scientist (Animal Nutrition), highlighted the importance of the programme on vertical farming in the present context. He discussed about the importance of poultry farming in the IVNFS for household nutrition of farm families. About 70 participants participated in the programme. The interface ended with thanks by Er. Pragati Rout, Technical Assistant to all the officials from ICAR-CIWA, farm women and media persons. Another Training cum Demonstration Programme on “Improved Package of Practices for Higher Income through Backyard Poultry Farming” was also organized on the same day at Bianla village, Nimapada Block, Puri District of Odisha. Dr. Arun Kumar Panda stressed on importance of housing, feeding and disease management of birds for making the backyard poultry production a successful enterprise. At the end of the training 15 chicks, 5 kg feed, one feeder and one waterer were distributed to each of the 20 selected SC farm women beneficiaries under the SCSP Programme. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Tania Seth, Scientist, Dr. A. K. Panda, Principal Scientist and Er. Pragati Rout, Technical Assistant. The programme was organized as a part of the “Bharat Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to commemorate 75 Years of India’s Independence.