Field visit of Farmers to Climate smart integrated farming system (CIFS)
In 16th & 20th December, a group of farmers (100 male and 15 female progressive farmers) from Chandrapur district visited to “Climate smart integrated farming system (CIFS) farm project (ICAR-NIASM, Baramati) under MIDH program of State Agricultural Department of Maharashtra. Dr. Sangram B. Chavan, Scientist (Agroforestry) briefed initially about ICAR-NIASM, Baramati. He further explained about CIFS, its objectives and need. The CIFS project is extended on one hectare of land at the research field of the institute with diversified agricultural components including seasonal and perennial crops, livestock, fishery, water harvesting structures, and use of renewable energy source, organic manures etc. The information on every aspect of IFS systems such as cropping systems, horticulture, boundary plantation, silvipasture, multilayer and efficient irrigations techniques were provided. Mr. Nilesh Dhumal, Research Scholar of project explained the composting prepared from farm-waste using vermin compost unit and their utilization for different crops. Further, farmers also sensitized on requirement of green and dry fodder to livestock and goats from the CIFS systems. Solar based pumping systems with drip and rain pipes were explained and demonstrated by Mr. Akash Shinde, Research Scholar. Different queries rose by the farmers and agricultural officers were also duly answered during the visit. “This model of climate smart integrated farming systems is eye-opener to fulfill the demands of our livestock, goats, and poultry with low inputs to sustain a family”, said by a visiting farmer. The agricultural officer’s appreciated the efforts of the ICAR-NIASM Baramati for demonstrating various climate resilient technologies. The visit was assisted by Dr. S.A.Kochewad, Dr. Sangram Chavan, Dr. Vijaysinha Kakade, Mr. Nilesh Dhumal and Mr. Akash Shinde of CIFS projects.