Diglipur, Aug. 30: The Department of Agriculture at Diglipur conducted hands-on training programme for sensitizing the SHG Members of Kishorinagar Panchayat under Lakhpati Didi Programme on Aug.28, 2024 in the field of Shri Gouranga Roy, a progressive farmer practicing organic farming. To encourage SHG members to pursue entrepreneurial ventures by their inherent skills and potential and to position them well to move towards higher income brackets, the Department of Agriculture is supporting the SHGs by providing training on agriculture based activities.

Smti Arti Singh, Assistant Director (Agri), Diglipur welcomed the chief guest, Up-Pradhan, Shri Ajit Bairagi, other PRI members and SHG members. Under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, each Self-Help Group Member is sensitized through various hands on training to have an annual income exceeding Rs.1,00,000/- through adopting sustainable livelihood practices with an average monthly income of rupees ten thousand or more sustained for at least 4 agricultural seasons and/ or four business cycles.

During the programme, hands-on training on preparation of Vermi compost and Bio-pesticides like Jeevamrit and Neemashtra from the locally available materials was demonstrated, so that they can prepare and sell it to other farmers exploring the vast potential in view of promotion of Organic farming in the Islands. Further, the process of Cinnamon Extraction was also conducted in view of Promotion of Spices cultivation in the area and its vast demand in these Islands.

Altogether, 35 members of 6 SHGs namely Joy Guru, Maruti, Deep, Anmol, Ekta and Shiva of Kishorinagar, Parangara and Srinagar village under Kishorinagar Gram Panchayat attended the training programme.

Similar program was also conducted on Aug. 24 at Spices Demonstration Farm, Kalighat wherein 15 members of 6 SHGs were imparted training to enhance their skills, knowledge for increasing their income for attaining a decent livelihoods. Smti Protima Roy, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Nabagram and other PRI members were also present to motivate the SHG members. Similar programmes will also be conducted in Diglipur Block for all interested SHG members.