Training Programme (TSP) of AINP on VPM: Agricultural Ornithology organized at TRTC, Devgadhbaria

The one day training programme of All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management: Agricultural Ornithology for Tribal Farmers was organized under the aegis of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) at Tribal Research cum Training Center, AAU, Devgadhbaria, Dist. Dahod on 24th March, 2025 to create awareness among the tribal farmers about vertebrate pest problems in different agricultural crops and their management strategies wherein total fifty tribal farmers participated. The programme started with welcome address by Dr. Jalpa J. Dand, Assistant Research Scientist, AINP on VPM, AAU, Anand. She recited about the different activities by the scheme for the benefit of the tribal farmers. Dr. R. K. Thumar, Head of Office, AINP on VPM, AAU, Anand provided preliminary information about menaces caused by vertebrates in agricultural ecosystem vice versa their importance. Dr. K. C. Patel, Unit Head, ICAR Unit-9, AAU, Anand graced the gathering and explained the farmers about different ICAR schemes exclusively working for the tribal farmers and today’s program is one of them with special reference to VPM. Dr. Jalpa J. Dand delivered talks on different vertebrate pest management strategies. Mr. Ashish Nayi explained the farmers about the significance of conservation of birds with special regards to house sparrow. Dr. Y. B. Chauhan and Dr. Harsh Desai, TRTC, Devgadhbaria also delivered talks on the improved agronomic practices of the different field and horticultural crops grown in the Dahod district and activities carried out by the centre for the upliftment of the tribal farm women. The programme remained effective and play a pivotal role in addressing VPM and other technical issues. All the trainees were provided inputs kit (seeds, sparrow nest, spade and literatures) which will be helpful for them not only improving their agricultural production but also in reducing the drudgery among the tribal farmers. We thankfully acknowledged Dr. Y. B. Chauhan, Head, TRTC, Devgadhbaria and staff members for bountiful support and extending their whole hearted co-operation in smooth functioning of the program. Lastly, vote of thanks was performed by Dr. Harsh Desai, Research Associate, TRTC, Devgadhbaria. The entire programme was co-ordinated by team, AINP on VPM, AAU, Anand