Jamshedpur, Jan 28: Tips on turning agriculture a lucrative venture will come the state farmers way straight from scientists at `Vaartaa’, an agriculture meet by Tata Steel, which was inaugurated today at Ganesh Puja Maidan, Kadma.
Nearly 600 farmers from the Kolhan region and Jamadoba along with scientists from prestigious agriculture institutes across the country are participating in the three-day scientist-farmer interface.
Addressing the farmers, chief guest and Jamshedpur MP Vidyut Baran Mahato said, “The centre and state governments are committed to improve the living standards of farmers. We need to frame policies that make farmers self-reliant. Projects like digging at least five ponds in a panchayat can be great relief for the farming community.”
Talking about Vaartaa, Sunil Bhaskaran, VP, Corporate Services, Tata Steel said, “This meet is an attempt of Tata Steel to bring farmers and scientists on a common platform.
I believe farmers attending this meet will pass the learning of Vaartaa to their other friends, thereby, helping them adopt better agriculture practices in Jharkhand.”
In his address, B. K. Das, VP, Iron Making, Tata Steel, said, “The rise in population is heading us towards a food crisis. Scientists and farmers need to work in tandem to ensure food security for our nation.”
Padma Shri Simon Oraon who was felicitated at the inaugural session of Vaartaa lamented over the plight of farmers across India. He said their situation could improve only if we are able to provide them water for agriculture.
Dr Suhas P. Wani, Director, ICRISAT Development Center and Mr. Subrata Mandal, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Ranchi, also attended the inaugural function.
Biren Bhuta, Chief CSR, Debdoot Mohanty, Head, CSR, Jharkhand, called upon the farmers to make the best out of Vaartaa by asking more and more questions to the scientists at the meet.
Partner organizations, Tata Steel officials and staff members of Tata Steel Rural Development Society were present.
Over the next two days, the second edition of Vaartaa will have technical sessions on various aspects of agriculture where scientists will share knowledge on climate resilient agriculture, new technology in vegetable cultivation and wasteland development.
An exhibition-cum-sale displaying modern farming implements, agriculture produce, seeds, compost are another highlight of the event.