Vaartaa 2017, an annual agriculture meet organised by Tata Steel, concluded today with sessions on lac, poultry and fish farming. The three-day event was organised at Ganesh Puja Maidan in Jamshedpur drew farmers from the Kolhan region.

Twelve farmers from the Kolhan region who did exemplary work in vegetable cultivation, floriculture, integrated farming, paddy cultivation through SRI (System of Rice Intensification), pisciculture etc, were felicitated by Jamshedpur MP Mr Bidyut Baran Mahato.

“It is heartening to see farmers from backward regions also are doing exceptionally well in agriculture. Many of these farmers have managed to attain their present position because of ponds excavated with support of government or Tata Steel,” said Mr Bidyut Baran Mahato in his address to the farmers.

“If farmers have to take care of their families, they will have to cultivate second and third crops. And it’s not possible without ponds and water harvesting structures,” he added. 

Mr M.M. Goshal, an expert on poultry farming, said, “There are certain birds that need small place and less water. Even senior citizens can raise them and contribute to family income.”

Dr. Kiran Singh, senior scientist-cum-head, Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand, KVK, Seraikela-Kharsawan, delivered a session on opportunities in lac cultivation and constraints. “If farmers have to maximize profits in lac cultivation, they must come together and form self-help groups or collectives.”

Mr. K.K. Prasad, former chief technical officer, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG), Namkum, Ranchi, said, “Lac is nature’s gift to Jharkhand and a cash crop for the state farmers. By making simple lime-based formulations, farmers can prevent lac from termites and increase profit.”

The last session on fish farming was conducted by Mr. A.K. Singh, Head, Dept. of Fisheries, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi. He gave tips on enhancing fish productivity using low-cost and locally available inputs.

An exhibition-cum-sale displaying modern farming implements, agriculture produce, compost etc was also organised during Vaartaa.