Agriculture Programs Based on Mewar Model to Be Broadcast on TV and Radio

Udaipur. Prasar Bharati will prepare and broadcast programs focused on the 'Mewar Model,' highlighting agricultural practices, to ensure that farmers are not forced into suicide and that both their livelihoods and lives are safeguarded. These programs will also introduce initiatives like the Kadaknath poultry farming in Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh) and the Pratapdhan chicken breed developed by MPUAT to the entire country. Additionally, there will be a strong push to promote practices like protected farming, organic farming, and natural farming nationwide. In total, Prasar Bharati, through its associated All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan, will act as a strong extension worker for the welfare of the nation’s farmers.

During a five-day workshop on 'Crisis and Stress in Agriculture,' held by the Directorate of Agricultural Education, radio and television officials from twelve states shared their experiences. The conclusion was that, while significant research and education efforts are underway in the agricultural sector, the lack of extension workers means that technology is not reaching farmers effectively. 

The workshop revealed that the government spends approximately 500 crore rupees annually on extension activities, with 180 crore rupees allocated for agricultural programs like *Krishi Darshan* and *Krishi Vani*, and millions more for small agricultural programs and mass media campaigns. However, there is a severe shortage of extension workers who have direct access to farmers in the field. As a result, the responsibility of Prasar Bharati becomes even more significant. 

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was that farmers in Rajasthan, particularly in the Mewar region, do not resort to suicide, despite facing challenges like climate change and market fluctuations. This is because they engage in multi-crop farming and livestock rearing. 

The workshop, which concluded on Monday, was organized by the Directorate of Agricultural Education, MPUAT, under the joint leadership of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Broadcasting and Multimedia Agency Prasar Bharati. 

Dr. Umashankar Sharma, the former Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT, who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony, stated that the farmers of Mewar and Marwar, well-versed in agricultural crises and stress, demonstrate resilience even in the face of adversity. For instance, despite limited rainfall in Marwar, farmers continue their efforts, and many young individuals from border districts join the military, showing immense courage and patriotism. He further explained that, after the Mahi Dam was constructed in Banswara, farmers began cultivating rabi maize, which yields up to 80 quintals per hectare. Additionally, the Pratapdhan chicken farming provides support, as the poultry reaches a weight of 6 kg in just two months, and eggs are sold for 25 rupees each.

Anuradha Agarwal, Additional Director General of Prasar Bharati, mentioned that AIR and Doordarshan will produce episodes on sandy crop farming and further educate farmers on various agricultural innovations across the country through such broadcasts. 

Dr. J.P. Mishra, Director of Atari Jodhpur, emphasized that if we let crises remain as crises, solutions will never emerge. Change may not be easy for everyone, but it is necessary to solve problems.

Dr. R.L. Soni, Director of Agricultural Education, delivered the welcome address, and the program was conducted by Professor Dr. Latika Vyas.