Barpeta district in Assam is witnessing a transformation in its agricultural landscape thanks to a collaborative project between ITC-MSK and RGVN. Aligned with the government’s Aspirational Districts Programme, this initiative targets agricultural development in five districts.

The project focuses on Barpeta’s 50 villages across five blocks, promoting scientific cultivation practices for crops like Boro paddy, Kharif paddy, mustard, and jute. Recent success stories include a bountiful mustard harvest in Shariyotpur village. Additionally, farmer training sessions and hands-on activities like Boro paddy transplantation are equipping farmers with new knowledge.

Sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to maximize scheme benefits for farmers. In Amguri village, farmers are adopting innovative techniques like using toilet manure in mustard fields. This not only reduces chemical fertilizer dependence by 20% but also significantly cuts production costs, a primary objective of the ITC-MSK program.

The project received a further boost with the acquisition of 16 spray machines from the Barpeta District Agriculture Office. These machines are expected to optimize pest control and enhance crop yields.

Knowledge sharing is another crucial aspect. Nodal officers from agricultural departments have undertaken exposure visits to promote the exchange of best practices. This multi-crop initiative promises a brighter future for Barpeta’s farmers, contributing to the region’s overall agricultural sustainability and prosperity.