Kisan Diwas 2024 Highlights The Unnati Apple Initiative For Farmers

Celebrating the essence of Kisan Diwas 2024, Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies orchestrated a remarkable event at their Chafi, Bhimtal facility. The focal point of this gathering was the "Unnati-Apple Initiative," designed to honor the farmers' relentless efforts and bridge the gap between them and the younger generation. The initiative was supported by the insightful presence of Dr. Sudhir Chadha, CEO & Founder, who, although virtually, made a significant impact by urging youngsters to delve into agriculture. The collaboration with Graphic Era Hill University brought forth a panel of educators like Dr. Deepa Nainwal and Dr. R. S. Rawat, who, along with Director Sushant Chadha, facilitated a platform named "Chaupal – The Farmers Talk." This initiative fostered a dialogue between 15 "Unnati-Apple farmers" from Kumaon and 14 horticulture graduates, aiming for a mutual exchange of knowledge.

The ceremonial kick-off was marked by a cultural invocation, followed by a momentous inaugural ceremony that featured the lighting of the lamp and the distribution of "Proud to Be Farmer" badges. This gesture was a tribute to the dedication of local farmers. The event shone a light on eight "Unnati-Apple" cultivators who have embraced Ultra-High Density Plantation (UHDP) Apple Technology, a collaborative venture between Coca-Cola India (CCIPL) and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies (IDHTPL). The narratives of individuals like Ajay K. Pande, who transitioned from pharmaceuticals to apple farming, and Santoksh S. Bisht, who succeeded in lower elevation apple cultivation, underscored the themes of resilience and innovative agricultural practices.

The discussions throughout the event spanned various technical and commercial farming aspects, placing a hefty emphasis on the involvement of students. Director Chadha motivated students to collaborate closely with local farmers, highlighting the significance of adopting scientific methods such as soil analysis and minimizing pesticide usage. Furthermore, the talks ventured into organic farming and the joint effort in establishing a "Plant Health Clinic," a testament to the cooperative spirit between farmers and university students.

In his concluding address, Mr. Sushant Chadha elaborated on the SELP Landmark Community Learning Project's pivotal role in intertwining students' learning experience with agricultural practices. He introduced the "Grow-Together, Sell-Together" initiative, aimed at encouraging students to actively participate in crop cultivation and sales. This endeavor is poised to lay the groundwork for future agricultural startups, emphasizing the agricultural sector's crucial role in nurturing a sustainable future.

The event was more than a celebration of farmers' contributions; it served as a platform to showcase the potential of young horticulture graduates to inject innovation and progress into the agricultural domain. It underscored the importance of sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and blending traditional practices with contemporary technology to revolutionize agriculture into a sustainable and economically viable field.