Bhubaneswar: The Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) at SOA Deemed to be University on Wednesday wrapped up the first phase of its Farmers’ Training Programme as part of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) 2026–27 initiative.
The week-long effort, running from July 22 to 29, focused on empowering farmers through practical training while providing hands-on learning opportunities for agriculture students. The programme covered 11 villages under Bhubaneswar, Jatni, and Balianta blocks in Khordha district, including Jhintisasan, Panikata, Chhatabar, Purohitpur, Mendhasal, Budhipada, Barudakhana, Purana Padhan, Kujimahal, Bhola, and Singirisasan. The organisers conducted a total of 16 need-based training sessions tailored to local farming systems and challenges.
These sessions emphasised low-cost, climate-resilient, and income-boosting agricultural technologies aimed at raising productivity, cutting cultivation expenses, and advancing sustainable practices. Training topics covered a broad spectrum of modern yet accessible techniques, such as Azolla cultivation for livestock feed and soil improvement, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in paddy, mushroom cultivation and value addition for extra income, preparation of neem-based botanical pesticides, seed and banana sucker treatment, production of organic inputs, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE), neem cake application, and compost making with enhancers.
Additional sessions addressed beekeeping and honey extraction, Pro-Tray technology for vegetable seedlings, insect traps for pest control, vermi-rearing and vermicomposting, vermi-wash production, and IPM strategies for cucurbits and paddy.
All sessions featured live demonstrations, practical hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and on-site problem-solving to help farmers apply the knowledge immediately.
The RAWE Committee faculty coordinated the programme in close collaboration with village communities, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. Farmers, including many women and rural youth, along with RAWE students, participated enthusiastically, engaging directly with experts to address field-specific issues and receive customised scientific advice.
Prof Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of IAS, described the RAWE programme as a vital link between agricultural education and rural development. “It gives students real-world exposure to actual farming conditions, local resources, farmers’ challenges, and rural livelihoods,” he said, adding that the faculty is committed to delivering quality education while transferring scientific knowledge to improve farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable agriculture.
Dr Anshuman Jena, Chairman of the RAWE Programme, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of Phase-I, crediting the strong support from village communities, farmers, and students. He reaffirmed IAS’s dedication to empowering farmers through location-specific technologies, climate-smart practices, and ongoing extension activities. Dr Jena added that Phase-II of the RAWE programme will feature additional awareness campaigns, demonstrations, and specialized trainings on emerging technologies, integrated farming systems, natural resource management, entrepreneurship development, and other relevant themes.
