A training programme for Champion Farmers on Climate-Smart Agriculture and the use of ICT tools was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Puri, on 30th July 2025 under the UPSCALE Project. Dr. P.J. Mishra, Dean, Department of Extension Education, Odisha University of Agriculture Technologies (OUAT), delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Suchismita Jena, Deputy Director of Horticulture, OUAT, explained the objectives of the training programme. 
Dr. R. Rajkumar, Coordinator of the Resilience Project at MSSRF, introduced the UPSCALE Project. After explaining the concept of ICT-enabled Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs) and Virtual Village Knowledge Centres (VVKCs), he demonstrated the use of various ICT tools for two-way interaction between farmers and experts, enabling timely and appropriate advisories on Climate Resilient Agriculture, including weather forecasts. Dr. Rahul Tripathi, Senior Scientist, Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), provided training on the use of green manure crops (Sesbania), the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and water management techniques. He also demonstrated the Leaf Color Chart and the Rice N Xpert app.
Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Puri, conducted training on solar energy applications, including solar fencing and solar tractors, as well as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in paddy. Dr. Deepsikha Paramjita, Scientist (Agricultural Engineering), KVK Puri, handled the session on biodegradable mulching materials such as jute and coir, explaining their benefits for soil moisture conservation and seed germination.
A total of 35 Champion Farmers, including 20 women, from the project villages participated in the training programme. By the end of the programme, the Champion Farmers had gained knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Key Climate-Resilient Agriculture Technologies for enhancing adaptive capacity
• Demonstration of ICT tools and the Plant Clinic approach
• Importance of Integrated Pest Management and the use of solar equipment in agriculture
• Poly mulching techniques and the introduction of biodegradable poly mulching in vegetable production

The Champion Farmers found the training highly useful, as it addressed real challenges they face in the field. They expressed their commitment to practicing the techniques learned and sharing the knowledge and skills with fellow farmers.