Navbharat Chhatralaya Parivar

A) Training –

The organization feels it is necessary to train farmers in agriculture and allied industries. One-to-two-days training sessions are organized for farmers. Training is provided to farmers through audio-visual (LCD Projector) media by expert and experienced trainers. Demonstrations related to the training topics are organized in the institute. Due to this, farmers get complete knowledge of the selected topic. During the training period, visits are organized to the fields of farmers practicing modern farming methods as required. The trainees are evaluated before and after the training. Also, by understanding the mistakes and shortcomings of the trainees regarding the training, future training is improved accordingly.

Accommodation is provided at a very modest fee for trainees living far from the headquarters of the organization. To make the training effective, a training class is generally admitted to 25 to 30 trainees. During the training period, the trainees are provided with food, certificate and complete training notes by the organization. The training includes trainees from all districts of Konkan. A nominal fee is charged from the trainees for this training. Trainings are generally organized every year in the month of January. In addition, one-day training on fruit processing and food processing is provided to women's self-help groups in rural areas under the initiative of Balasaheb Kher Agricultural Industry and Training Center.

B) Distribution of vegetable seeds –

This initiative is being implemented under the Navbharat Chhatralay Parivar with the aim of instilling interest in cultivating monsoon vegetables in the backyards of farmers in rural areas and thus providing nutritious food to the citizens. Under this initiative, free seeds of cucumber, chibud, Snake gourd, karli, pumpkin, milk pumpkin, okra, Sponge gourd, etc. are distributed to farmers in rural areas as per availability. While distributing seeds, a farm or a few families in a village are covered. Seeds are distributed preferably between 25th and 30th May every year. Farmers are expected to germinate the seeds before the onset of monsoon. A planting leaflet is provided along with these seeds. This includes details of the seeds, selection of site for planting, planting season, planting distance, planting method, selection of appropriate fertilizers and other monitoring. Under this initiative, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Agricultural University, Dapoli Seeds of varieties produced and recommended by them are provided. Therefore, farmers can produce such quality seeds and use them for themselves and supply them to other farmers.

C) Distribution of forest and fruit trees –

The organization is aware that the average farmer cannot invest much in farming. Therefore, farmers are provided with information about plants that give maximum income with minimum investment. Since Konkan receives regular and abundant rainfall from June to September, at the beginning of the monsoon, forest trees such as teak, Soap nut, khair, along with mango, chiku, black pepper, cashew seedlings/culms, coconut, kokum seedlings, etc. are planted. This can bring good financial benefits to farmers. Recognizing this, the organization distributes the above-mentioned seedlings free of cost every year.

D) Kokum cultivation –

The demand for kokum fruits has increased due to the largescale production of fruit processed products from kokum fruits. This crop requires irrigation. An average yield of 100 kg of kokum fruits is obtained from a full-grown tree. Its market price is Rs. 2,500/-per tree/year. This tree needs to be protected from cattle and wild animals for the first five years. There is no tradition of fertilizing Kokum in Konkan. Also, no kind of crop protection is required at present. Therefore, it is necessary for farmers to plant kokum in large quantities. Recognizing this, the organization distributes five to six thousand kokum seedlings free of cost every year.

E) Lift Irrigation Guidance –

Groundwater is available in many places in Konkan, especially in Ratnagiri district. If lift irrigation projects are implemented to utilize the available groundwater, water for agriculture can be brought to the farmer's fields. If water is available in agriculture, farmers' income can be increased by planting short-duration crops such as vegetables, oilseeds, pulses, etc. Coconut, Areca nut, Sapota, kokum and spice crops can also be cultivated. Providing water to crops like mango and cashew nuts also significantly increases production and improves fruit quality. Under the Navbharat Chhatralay Parivar, farmers are guided on using lift irrigation after inspecting their available water sources and cultivation areas.  Konkan, water is generally available in the lower reaches and the cultivated areas are located at higher elevations. Therefore, while preparing a lift irrigation plan, selecting pumps and pipelines, the farmer has to primarily consider the height of the water lift along with the required water discharge. Under this project, the following lift irrigation schemes have been prepared for the farmers.

All the above lift irrigation projects are still running well. While preparing the project, the details of the length to be transported, the height to be raised and the appropriate pump required for this are given to the farmer. Necessary, guidance is provided to prepare loan cases. Farmers in Konkan should utilize this guidance from the family.

F) Guidance for setting up micro irrigation/drip irrigation –

A two-day farmer training is organized every year within the project on micro irrigation. In micro irrigation, preparation of irrigation system plan, estimation of cost for purchasing materials, Farmers are guided and assisted in purchasing materials from suitable manufacturers, connecting the irrigation system to the field, and directly planting the crop, etc.

G) Guidance for preparing loan applications for agriculture –

Farmers are guided and assisted to obtain financing for agriculture through banks. The institution's mediation makes it easier to obtain loans.

H) Guidance on vegetable and fruit cultivation –

Farmers with access to irrigation facilities are guided by expert trainers on the cultivation of short-duration crops like vegetables, oilseeds, pulses, etc. by visiting the farmer's field. Technical guidance is provided to farmers to ensure that their orchards are planted to the desired yield. To help farmers easily resolve their technical problems, a WhatsApp group called 'Kunbi Seva Sangh Shetkari Parivar' has been created. Through this, farmers' doubts are cleared and agricultural guidance is provided to them.

I) Organizing agricultural tours for farmers –

Rather than just providing information about the technology, visiting the farms of farmers who are adopting good technology can help in understanding agricultural technology. Keeping this in mind, farmer trips of 1 to 2 days duration are organized. Farmers should take advantage of this.

If the Navbharat Chhatralay Parivar initiative is successful, the economically weak farmers in the villages will definitely be able to make their present life hopeful. Therefore, we are appealing to all brothers and sisters who are passionate about public interest through the organization to become activists of this initiative and join this family.