By TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th September 2024: Swapna Das Paul, the MLA of the Surma assembly constituency in Dhalai district inaugurated the implementation of a contingency plan aimed at supporting flood-affected farmers in Surma on Tuesday last.
As part of the contingency plan for the flood-affected farmers in Surma, Dhalai, seeds and planting materials such as short-duration Tripura Hakuchuk-2 and vegetable varieties from IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) and IIHR (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research) have been distributed. Tripura Hakuchuk-2 is a variety of rice that matures quickly, making it ideal for areas affected by floods or short growing seasons. Its short duration allows farmers to harvest before potential waterlogging or further climatic challenges. The vegetable varieties from IARI and IIHR are likely chosen for their resilience and adaptability to local conditions, offering farmers a more secure yield during the post-flood recovery phase.
These seeds and planting materials will help restore agricultural activities and improve food security for farmers in the affected areas.
During the inauguration of the contingency plan for flood-affected farmers in Surma, MLA Swapna Das Paul emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate vulnerabilities in agriculture. She stressed the need for farmers to adopt adaptive measures for crop cultivation, ensuring resilience against the unpredictable impacts of climate change, such as floods and droughts.
To enhance the effectiveness of these measures, the MLA encouraged farmers to engage in discussions with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dhalai for guidance on the latest agricultural technologies and innovations. These technologies may include climate-smart agricultural practices, improved irrigation systems, and resilient crop varieties. By leveraging the expertise of KVK Dhalai, farmers can better prepare for future climate challenges, boosting their productivity and sustainability.
Pradip Baran Roy, the President of the All Tripura Farmers Club, highlighted and praised the collaborative efforts made by both the Tripura Government and the Central Government in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the region. During the inauguration of the contingency plan for flood-affected farmers in Surma, Dhalai, he emphasized how these joint initiatives have been crucial in providing timely support, relief, and resources to farmers dealing with climate-related adversities.
He acknowledged the government’s role in introducing programs and schemes aimed at not only offering immediate assistance to the flood-impacted farmers but also implementing long-term measures to improve agricultural resilience. These include the distribution of seeds, advanced planting materials, and the promotion of climate-adaptive agricultural technologies.
Pradip Baran Roy, President of the All Tripura Farmers Club, also praised the involvement of KVK Dhalai for its active role in disseminating advanced agricultural technologies to farmers. He commended the KVK’s efforts in ensuring that farmers are well-equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt climate-resilient farming practices, improve productivity, and recover from challenges like floods.
The collaboration between KVK Dhalai and the local farmers has been vital in facilitating the use of innovative techniques, improved crop varieties, and adaptive measures. This support has helped farmers navigate climate vulnerabilities and strengthen their agricultural practices for the future.
Bhanu Pratap Lodhi, Durgachowmuhani Panchayat Samiti, Superintendent of Agriculture, Durgachowmuhani Agri Sub-division, Pradhan, Maracherra GP along with 300 farmers were present.
Dr. Abhijit Debnath, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Dhalai, has been instrumental in leading efforts to support farmers in the region. Under his leadership, KVK Dhalai has played a pivotal role in disseminating advanced agricultural technologies and promoting climate-resilient practices. Dr. Debnath and his team have worked closely with farmers to introduce improved crop varieties, such as Tripura Hakuchuk-2, and other short-duration and high-yielding vegetable varieties developed by IARI and IIHR.
His expertise and commitment have been crucial in helping farmers adapt to climate vulnerabilities, providing training on adaptive measures, and ensuring access to the latest farming techniques. Dr. Debnath’s collaboration with local farmers, government initiatives, and agricultural experts continues to strengthen the region’s agricultural resilience, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters like floods.
Dr. Tanmoy Bhowmik, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) at KVK Dhalai, provided a detailed technical explanation on the importance of adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices during the inauguration of the contingency plan for flood-affected farmers in Surma, Dhalai. He emphasized the need for farmers to prepare for unpredictable weather patterns by incorporating sustainable and adaptable farming techniques.
Dr. Bhowmik stressed that climate-resilient agriculture is not only about using improved seeds or crop varieties but also about planning for contingencies in every season. He highlighted the need for: Diversification of crops to mitigate risks associated with climate extremes; Efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and improved irrigation systems; and Soil conservation techniques to preserve fertility and reduce erosion during heavy rains.
He encouraged farmers to collaborate with KVK Dhalai to access training and resources that would help them prepare for climatic uncertainties. By adopting such measures, farmers can safeguard their livelihoods and ensure a more stable agricultural output, even in adverse conditions.
The farmers in Surma, Dhalai, expressed great satisfaction and happiness with the initiatives introduced as part of the contingency plan for flood-affected areas. The distribution of climate-resilient seeds like Tripura Hakuchuk-2 and advanced vegetable varieties from IARI and IIHR, along with the technical guidance provided by KVK Dhalai, has given them renewed hope.
The collaborative efforts between the local government, central authorities, and experts like Dr. Abhijit Debnath and Dr. Tanmoy Bhowmik have reassured farmers that they are not alone in facing climate challenges. These initiatives are empowering them with the knowledge and resources to overcome adversities and improve their agricultural practices, boosting their confidence in the future of farming in the region.
