Udaipur: Scientists from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, took agricultural research directly to farmers’ fields by organising a Frontline Maize Demonstration and Field Day in Khedariya village under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize.
The programme provided farmers with practical information on improved maize varieties and modern production technologies. Scientists visited the demonstration fields, interacted directly with farmers and addressed their field-level concerns.
A team of experts comprising Dr. Pradeep Kumar from ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana; Principal Scientist Dr. Sunil Neelam from the Winter Nursery Centre, Hyderabad; Plant Pathologist Dr. Vivek Shivaji Rao Shinde from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; Agronomist Dr. V. Sujatha from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh; and Entomologist Dr. Anusha from the Maize Research Unit, Hyderabad, shared scientific and advanced maize production practices with farmers.
Dr. Amit Dadhich, Project In-charge, MPUAT, said that demonstrating technologies directly on farmers’ fields is an effective way to build confidence in the adoption of new agricultural practices. He urged farmers to adopt scientific methods to enhance productivity and farm income.
Principal Scientist Dr. Sunil Neelam highlighted the importance of using quality seed and selecting varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions for successful maize cultivation.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar of ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, said that increasing productivity while reducing production costs through modern technologies is essential for improving farmers’ income. He stressed the importance of balanced nutrition, efficient irrigation and timely management of pests and diseases.
Dr. Vivek Shivaji Rao Shinde advised farmers to identify diseases at an early stage and adopt integrated disease management practices to minimise crop losses.
Maharaj Randhir Singh (Bhinder Naresh), former MLA from Vallabhnagar, encouraged farmers to adopt scientific agricultural technologies. He said that agricultural science truly reaches farmers when its benefits can be seen directly in the field.
During the programme, Dr. Harish Kumar Sumeria, Shri Ram Narayan Kumhar, Dr. N.K. Padiwal and Dr. Amit Dadhich distributed improved seed and demonstration material to farmers under the Frontline Demonstration programme.
Farmers also interacted directly with the visiting scientists, shared their field-related problems and received practical solutions. The field day strengthened direct communication and collaboration between agricultural scientists and farmers at the grassroots level, while providing farmers with hands-on exposure to improved maize production technologies.