The ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune, organized a Training-cum-Demonstration on “Dragon fruit cultivation in degraded land and kitchen garden” on 30^th April 2022 under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC) at Rakshaswadi Bk Village of Karjat tehsil under Ahmednagar district. In the inaugural session, Mr Rajkumar welcomed all beneficiaries and trainees for the programme. Dr NP Kurade gave a brief account of DAPSC programme carried out by the Government of India. Two lectures were delivered during the technical session: ‘Dragon fruit cultivation and its demonstration’ and ‘Tools and implements used in Agriculture’ by Dr DD Nangare and Dr BB Gaikwad, respectively. During this session, Dr D D Nangare also demonstrated the beneficiaries about installing dragon fruit poles, rings, and planting dragon fruit cuttings in degraded lands or as backyard activity. Dr SS Pawar proposed the vote of thanks. About 100 beneficiaries and farmers were benefitted from this training programme. Sarpanch and other dignitaries from Grampanchayat also participated in the event. On behalf of trainees/beneficiaries, they thanked the organizers and the Institute for successfully organizing the training programme and providing livelihood support to beneficiaries. The training programme was followed by the distribution of cement poles along with dragon fruit cuttings for dragon fruit cultivation and tool kit for daily use in agriculture to the identified beneficiaries in two villages, namely Rakshaswadi and Baradgaon. The training programme was conducted and coordinated by the SCSP Implementation Committee members, namely, Dr DD Nangare (Convenor) and Dr NP Kurade, Dr SS Pawar, Mr Ravi Kure, Dr BB Gaikwad, Mr Rajkumar, Dr Aliza Pradhan and Dr AV Nirmale (Co-convenors).