Baleshwar: Tata Steel Foundation facilitated a workshop on the Scientific Method of Betel Vine Cultivation at Gram Panchayat Office at Dagara, Betagadhia, to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and promoting improved, sustainable and scientifically informed cultivation practices.
The initiative focused on enhancing crop productivity, quality and profitability while supporting sustainable betel vine-based livelihoods in the region.
The programme was attended by around 200 betel vine farmers, along with technical experts, KVK scientists, community representatives, field staff and officials of Tata Steel Foundation. The participation of farmers and technical experts provided a platform for direct interaction, knowledge sharing and discussion on practical challenges related to betel vine cultivation.
The programme was attended by Subash Chandra Swain, Professor & Head, Department of Fruit Science & Horticulture Technology and Officer-in-Charge, AICRP on MAP & Betel Vine, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar; Bipin Kumar Pradhan, Plant Pathologist and Officer-in-Charge, AICRP on Forage Crops & Utilization, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar; Swagatika Sahu, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Baleshwar; and the Sarpanch of Dagara, Betagadhia, along with other dignitaries, community representatives, field staff and Tata Steel Foundation representatives.
The ond-day workshop featured technical sessions on scientific cultivation practices, nursery preparation, scientific planting techniques, soil and water management, crop care and sustainable production practices. The sessions were designed to provide farmers with practical, field-oriented knowledge that can be adopted in their existing cultivation systems.
A dedicated session on plant disease management focused on identification of common diseases, preventive measures, field sanitation and appropriate plant protection practices. Experts addressed farmers’ field-level queries and provided technical recommendations based on local cultivation conditions. Farmers were also provided guidance on suitable betel vine varieties and improved planting materials to support better crop establishment and production.
As part of the programme, agricultural inputs were distributed among 2,000 betel vine farmers across five Gram Panchayats. The input support is intended to complement the technical training and facilitate the adoption of improved cultivation practices at the field level. The intervention is expected to contribute to better crop health, improved productivity, reduced crop losses and enhanced farm-level returns, according to a press release.
The workshop reinforced the importance of technical extension and access to appropriate agricultural inputs in strengthening betel vine-based livelihoods. The programme concluded with appreciation to the experts, farmers, community representatives and all stakeholders for their participation and contribution towards strengthening scientific betel vine cultivation in the region.
