A Biannual workshop on kharif season crop planning and dissemination of gender friendly technologies was organised in Ghasipura block of Keonjhar district. The programme was held on 4th June 2022 under the aegis of ICAR-CIWA-OIIPCRA project team with Dr. Sachidananda Swain as Organising Secretary and Dr. Praveen Jakhar as Joint Organising Secretary of the Programme. Chief guest of the programme Sh. D.K. Kuanr, Sub- collector Anandpur inaugurated the workshop with invocation of lamp and delivering the keynote address. He emphasised on diversification in Keonjhar district and challenges faced in paddy marketing. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohanty, ADO, Anandpur gave his remarks on involvement of women in brining diversification in the district. The workshop was attended by Assistant Agricultural Officer (AAO); Mrs. Subhashree Nayak, Agriculture Overseer; Mr. Debabrata Mishra (Agriculture Overseer, Ghasipura), Ms. Banaja Nayak, (Agriculture Overseer, Anandpur), Sarpanch of different villages, Krushak Saathis and 120 farm women from different clusters village under different MIPs of OIIPCRA Project.

Dr. Sabita Mishra, Co-PI, OIIPCRA Project emphasised on the crucial link between diversification and nutrition for farm women and children specifically. She also discussed about role of farm women and women based SHG in different villages. Dr. Praveen Jakhar, PI of the project explained the importance climate resilient crop varieties and highlighted the women friendly technologies developed by ICAR-CIWA. Dr. Sachidananda Swain, Sr. Scientist (AS & PE) and Co-PI, OIIPCRA Project stressed on the value addition in maize and oilseeds for fetching better market price. Women farmers shared their experiences as well as challenges faced during different farm related activities. The interface meeting ended with thanks to all the officials of Keonjhar district, Sarpanch, progressive farmers and SC farm women beneficiaries of the village for their active participation The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Neetish Kumar, Co-PI of the project.