M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), organized a training programme on Digital Champion Farmers at KVK, Dhenkanal. 35 women farmers from the Baldevjieu Women Farmers Producer Company Limited, Bhapur, facilitated by the organization Dhenkanal Grant Thornton Bharat, participated. The purpose of the training programme was to train FPO women farmers on ICT tools and climate-resilient technologies, enabling them to become master trainers who would, in turn, train other FPO farmers in different villages.

Dr. R. Rajkumar, MSSRF, explained that farmers need timely access to information on climate-resilient agriculture, technology, weather, markets, and crop health. Traditional extension services are insufficient, but modern ICTs can bridge this gap by delivering the right information at the right time. Hence, the interface of ICT tools is one of the key interventions in this project. He demonstrated ICT tools such as Farmers’ Helpline Services, Phone-in-Programmes, Mobile-based Audio Advisory (Voice SMS), Audio Conferences, Farmers’ WhatsApp Groups, and Digital and Online Plant Clinics.

Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, imparted training on Solar Irrigation Pumps for efficient water management, Solar Fencing Systems as a sustainable solution to prevent crop damage from wild animals, Solar Light Traps to reduce dependency on chemical pesticides through eco-friendly pest control, Solar-Powered Sprayers for energy-efficient application of fertilizers and pesticides, Biodegradable Poly Mulch for moisture retention, weed suppression, and reduction of plastic usage in farming.

Dr. Rahul Tripathi, Senior Scientist, CRRI, elaborated on sustainable farming practices that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Key highlights of his session the Adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) techniques to optimize water usage and reduce methane emissions, Use of Mat-type Nurseries and Mechanical Transplanters to improve planting efficiency, Application of Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) for precise nitrogen management and Benefits of Neem-Coated Urea (NCU) in enhancing nutrient use efficiency while minimizing nitrogen losses.

Dr. Suchismita Jena, Deputy Director of Horticulture, OUAT, delivered the welcome address and explained the purpose of the training. She highlighted the objectives of the UPSCALE project and emphasized the importance of gender integration in project interventions.

Mr. Narayan Khatua, Cluster Manager, Grant Thornton Bharat, expressed that the training was very useful for the FPO members and assured necessary support for the success of the UPSCALE project objectives. The FPO directors also assured their support for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and the establishment of Virtual Village Knowledge Centres for their FPO members. Dr. Sefali Rout, Scientist (Forestry) proposed vote of thanks.