Scientists attend a workshop at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, April 4: In an effort to create awareness on improving rural livelihood through increase in farm productivity and profitability, a two-day workshop on ‘Sustainable rural livelihood and food security’ was conducted for scientists and farmers at the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) here. The programme stressed on employment opportunities and capacity building of farmers.

The ‘Sustainable rural livelihood and food security to rain-fed farmers of Orissa’ is a World Bank-funded National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP) currently operating in three districts of Orissa — Kandhamal, Dhenkanal and Kalahandi — on a public private people partnership (PPPP) mode,” said professor (agronomy)-cum-consortium principal investigator of the sub-project B. Behera.

As many as 21 villages encompassing 1,800 families in six clusters have been adopted under this project.

Speaking at the inauguration of the function, former director, agriculture and food production, R.N. Mohanty, stressed on the need for close interaction with farmers to formulate the work plan of the sub-project and achieve the objectives. He urged the scientists to work in close collaboration with the officers of the departments.

S.S. Nanda, dean extension, OUAT, opined that the agricultural inputs such as seed, fertiliser and agricultural machinery should be supplied to the farmers of the villages in time. “The integrated farming system (IFS) should be adopted for the small and marginal farmers and all improved technologies should be thoroughly explained to them,” he added.

Krishna Srinath, director, directorate of research on women in agriculture(ICAR), Bhubaneswar, said that both men and women have to work together to improve rural livelihood. “DRWA is working hard towards empowering women and developing a gender checklist for greater participation of women in different livelihood activities at the village level,” she said.

Dean of research M.M. Panda explained about the background of the project and its future relevance. He opined that farmers’ opinion and participation were the key factors for agricultural development in rural areas.

Action plan 2011-12 for the three districts was decided in the workshop and a booklet titled ‘Sustainable rural livelihood and food security to rainfed farmers of Orissa – objectives and success stories’ was released on the occasion.

About 200 farmers and scientists participated in the event.