ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, Pune has organized three days Training-cum-Awareness Program on "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Commercial cultivation of onion and garlic" under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) on 21-23 March, 2022 at ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune. The aim of the TSP is to bridge teh gap between Scheduled Tribe (ST) population and others by accelerating the development of STs farmers through technological interventions. Alleviation of poverty and unemployment through measures like adoption of improved technologies for increasing farmer’s income and income generation opportunities. A total of 30 tribal farmers participated in the program from different parts of Ambegaon taluka of Pune (Maharashtra). Dr. Rajiv Kale, Scientist (Agril. Ext.) formally welcomed the participants and elaborated the theme of the training program and briefed about the ICAR-DOGR activities to the farmers. Dr. Major Singh, Director, ICAR-DOGR, briefed about the technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR to the farmers as well as production and productivity status of onion and garlic. Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Principal Scientist (Hort.) & Nodal Officer (TSP), briefed about the importance and scope of TSP on livelihood of tribal farmers. Lectures on different aspects on cultivation of onion and garlic were arranged. Dr. Gupta spoke about impact of TSP on livelihood security of tribal farmers and improved varieties of onion and garlic. Dr. V. Mahajan, Principal Scientist (Hort.) briefed about the onion and garlic production technology. Dr. S.S. Gadge, Senior Scientist (Agril. Ext.) briefed about the role of self-help group in improving the socio-economic status of onion and garlic farmers. Farmer Mr. Vijay Adhari from Chikhali of Ambegaon taluka of Pune expressed their satisfaction and appreciated ICAR-DOGR for arranging such valuable training for the tribal farmers. Certificates were distributed to all the participants under training program. In addition to lectures and field visits, ICAR-DOGR has facilitated to visit ‘Kisan 2022’ (International Trade Fair for Agriculture) in Pune for all the trainees. After visiting the International Trade Fair for Agriculture ‘Kisan 2022’, farmers became aware about new technologies related to agriculture and showed their satisfaction. Program ended with the vote of thanks presented by Dr. Rajiv Kale.
