State Level Stakeholder Consultation on Standardization, Scaling and Sustaining Natural Farming Inputs organized at ICAR CHES, Bhubaneswar

The consultation commenced with an inaugural session chaired by Dr. G.C. Acharya, Head, ICAR-IIHR-–CHES, Bhubaneswar, who delivered the welcome address. The session included the context setting by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, Agri Expert, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), a keynote address by Ms. Swapnasri Sarangi, Director, FES, and special addresses by Dr. Jagat Singh, Regional Director, RCONF, Bhubaneswar and Dr Satya Narayan Sethi, Principal Scientist, ICAR- CIFA, Bhubaneswar. The inaugural remarks were given by Dr Gouri Shankar Sahu, Former Head, Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Dr K. Laxminarayana, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, RC, Bhubaneswar and Dr Sukanta Sarangi, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar.

The first technical session focused on the science of bio-inputs and quality characterization, with deliberations on biochemical profiling through GC-MS, microbial community dynamics of Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, comparative assessment of indigenous and crossbred cattle-based inputs, and shelf-life and bio-assay studies. Scientists and experts from ICAR institutes, OUAT and other organizations participated in the technical deliberations. The afternoon session comprised four thematic breakout groups addressing major categories of natural farming inputs, namely soil enrichers and solid ferments and non-chemical fungicides, botanical concoctions and liquid manures, and raw material mapping, plant parts and ecological substitutes.

The second day focused on decentralized delivery, research presentations and field-level realities. Technical deliberations addressed decentralized production models, mechanization and Community Bio-Resource Centres (CBRCs), including operational frameworks, drudgery-reduction technologies, raw-material security and capacity building of Krushi Mitras and Krushak Sathis. A dedicated session on certification, regulatory ecosystem and market linkages deliberated on quality benchmarking of non-chemical bio-inputs, decentralized quality assurance, low-cost testing facilities, PGS-India certification and integration of CBRC-produced inputs with local and urban markets. The consultation also provided a platform for academic research and farmer best-practice presentations.

The third day focused on institutionalization of the roadmap, scientific compendium development and field visit. The institutional consultation deliberated on preparation of a peer-reviewed scientific literature compendium and validated SOP manual, development of a long-term state research agenda, agroecological trials, multi-tier horticulture models, carbon sequestration accounting, policy integration with institutional responsibilities and milestones.

As part of the concluding programme, delegates undertook a field exposure visit to the ICAR–CHES research campus. Dr G C Acharya acted as course director of the three – day training programme and the training was co-ordinated by Dr Tanushree Sahoo and Dr Shantanu Rakshit with the assistance from Sri M K Patnaik, TO; Anil Adamala, YP-1, Miss Lopamudra Sahoo, YP-1 and outsourced personnels.