Bamhani Base centre, in collaboration with FIDA International (a Non-Governmental Development Organization) from Mumbai conducted a three day residential training programme cum workshop for the farmers of Umri village near Yavatmal, from the 28th to 30th August 2011, on Organic farming and Watershed Management. 15 farmers participated in this programme along with Shri Rahul, Social Worker and Dr. Samraj (Director of FIDA International) from Mumbai, who were present throughout the programme.
Mr. Pankaj Bhagat, the Sangam’s Farm Co-ordinator assisted by Ms. Reena Uike, Field Worker organised the programme in which expert speakers from the field of Organic farming and Watershed Management participated. Mr. Pusadkar of Magan Sangrahalaya (Gandhi Museum), in Wardha district spoke on the importance of Organic Farming outlining the use of fertilisers, multi-cropping, composting and the marketing of produce. Dr. I.K. Sayed an expert on composting, spoke on the past, present and future of Organic farming and on the current challanges faced by farmers. He also guided the farmers during the field visits, through practical demonstration.
Dr. Preeti Joshi from the National Organisation for Community Welfare, Wardha, gave practical guidelines through a slide presentation and highlighted the benefits which the farmers gain after adopting Organic farming and Watershed measures. She
answered a number of questions on vermi compost, multi-cropping and the use of sprays made out of natural products. She also encouraged the farmers to use their own seeds for future crops.
The three day programme was highly interactive in nature and the farmers were encouraged to put questions based on their practical experience. The farmers in their feed back thanked the Ecumenical Sangam and FIDA International for organizing the training cum workshop and assured us that this will help them in their organic farming efforts in their own villages.
The certificates of training were presented by Mr. K.D. Pradhan, Ex-Personnel Manager of Sut Girni who was the special invitee on the occasion.
Dr. Samraj, Director FIDA International, expressed his gratitude and thanked the Ecumenical Sangam for organizing the workshop. Mr Pankaj Bhagat, the Sangam’s Farm Coordinator proposed a vote of thanks.