Ms. Linn Siri Benjaminsen, Senior Counsellor of the Norwegian Embassy, along with Dr. Nagothu Udaya Sekhar, Director of the Centre for International Development, NIBIO, and Dr. Mehtereab Tesfai, Research Scientist, NIBIO, visited the Resilience Upscale Project sites in Assam on 25th and 26th August 2025.

The project partners, Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, briefed the progress made under the project. The Counsellor inaugurated a Village Knowledge Centre (Digital Hub) at AAU’s Zonal Research Station, Shillongani. Scientists from AAU and Dr. Rajkumar, MSSRF, explained how these digital hubs and virtual knowledge centres are helping farmers build capacity, exchange knowledge, and connect with experts through digital tools at the village level via the Hub and Spokes model.

The Counsellor also inaugurated a Plant Health Awareness Campaign on Rice Armyworm at Senchowa village, Nagaon, the campaign organised to raise awareness about this emerging pest in Assam and preventive measures to control through the Integrated Pest Management me (IPM) methods . The team then visited several demonstration sites showcasing Integrated Farming Systems, smart seed production of Sali paddy, solar-powered technologies, integrated pest, disease and nutrient management in rice and vegetables, and crop diversification. Alos observed the activities are being carried out by Farmer Interest Groups and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). During the visit, the team observed a digital plant clinic, where plant doctors examined crop samples and provided scientific recommendations to farmers through integrated pest management approaches.

On 26th August, the team visited project sites in Darrang district to see how smallholder farmers are adopting climate-resilient technologies. A live audio conference on Integrated Farming Systems was conducted with women self-help group farmers. The Counsellor interacted with them and understood how digital tools are supporting women farmers in building capacity for climate-smart agriculture. The team also interacted with members of the FPC. The CEO shared how the Upscale project intervention is supporting FPC members in improved vegetable cultivation and marketing their produce. The CEO also expressed the challenges faced by farmers and the support expected from the project.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research (Agri.), Dr. Hironya Kumar Borah, Chief Scientist, and scientists of AAU facilitated the visit. Key stakeholders, including officials from the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Department, and KVKs of Nagaon and Darrang, also participated and explained how they are collaborating with the Upscale project. The Counsellor appreciated the efforts and benefits realized by the smallholders and advised sustaining these efforts in collaboration with stakeholders for the benefit of a more number of farmers.