Madhya Pradesh launches ‘farm OPDs’ for farmers
The ‘OPD’ usually signifies an out-patient department in a hospital. But, in Madhya Pradesh, ‘farm OPDs’ help solve farmers’ problems of crop diseases and pests to help them get a better yield by scientific intervention.
The facility is launched to ensure that farmers facing difficulties in cultivation can swiftly access assistance at the local krishi vigyan kendra in their area. (Photo: KVK, Harda)
It is a busy day in ‘OPD’. With their face masks on and gamcha covering their head, farmers await their turn. Some are carrying a bunch of their pest-affected crop produce, others have brought a can of pesticide for advice on its usage. Across the table is seated a group of experts.
Welcome to the ‘krishi OPD’ (farm OPD) in Harda, Madhya Pradesh where farmers are counselled on issues of crop productivity and pest management. Those who cannot visit the centre, are provided advice over WhatsApp messages/calls.
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In Madhya Pradesh’s Harda and Jabalpur districts, the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (centres for farm science and research) have come up with krishi OPDs to help solve farmers’ problems of crop diseases and pests and help them get a better yield by scientific intervention.
The facility is launched to ensure that farmers facing difficulties in cultivation can swiftly access assistance at the local krishi vigyan kendra in their area. The ‘OPD’ which usually signifies an out-patient department in hospitals, consists of a team of scientists who advise farmers and help them get a better yield by scientific intervention.
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“Earlier, farmers used to get general advice at krishi vigyan kendras, but now they can avail the benefits from a team of experts who can counsel them as per the issues they face in farming,” Surendra Kumar Tiwari, an agriculture scientist in one such farm OPD in Harda told Gaon Connection.
“For instance, some farmers bring a pest-inflicted plant to the OPD and they get it diagnosed. This helps in quick resolution of their issues,” he added.
A database is maintained at the krishi vigyan kendra which helps in profiling the cases. “This helps in periodic reference and ensures that timely counselling is dispatched to the farmers depending on the stages of their cultivation,” the scientist informed.
It is also learnt that the farmers who cannot approach the centre physically can avail the experts’ advice via WhatsApp. “The farmers can send the pictures of their issues and advice is impared on the basis of the visuals provided by the farmers,” an official said.
Under the supervision of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University in Jabalpur, krishi vigyan kendras in 20 districts in Madhya Pradesh are being operated. On the lines of Harda and Jabalpur, similar OPDs will be set up in the remaining districts as well.
The officials from the centres informed Gaon Connection that experts will visit the villages once a week to assess the ground conditions in which farmers grow their crops. Factors like soil testing, crop cycle, seeds, fertilisers and disease control will be examined. The experts will also submit a report on their observations in a specific area on the basis of which, the agriculture department will devise its strategy for the districts.