A training cum exposure visit program was organised to ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack, Government of India on 12th June 2024 for farmers of Nuapada Nutri Rice Cluster, A total of 43 (M:29 F: 14) farmers of Palsada, Moregaon, Budhapada, Salepada, Durkamunda of Nuapada district participated in the exposure tour. Sushant Kumar Mohapatra, Technical Assistant, NRRI and Rikina Choudhury Junior Research Fellow of NRRI delivered the program. During the visit, the farmers learned about the Farm mechanization tools/implements developed by the institute were demonstrated before the farmers. The farmers learned on integrated farming systems and improved post-harvest and processing technologies along with better packaging and value addition.

Farm Mechanization is an important element for the modernization of agriculture. It has the potential of enhancing farming efficiency, economic returns and generating employment in rural areas. The farmers learned about a large number of farm machineries and tools that the institute has established with well-equipped research laboratories and a Model Agro Processing Centre for demonstration of processing activities to farmers and entrepreneurs. The women-friendly tools / implements, conservation agriculture machinery were also demonstrated to the farmers

Agriculture in India is the core sector for food security, nutritional security, and sustainable development & for poverty alleviation. The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack is the country’s premier national Institute for Rice research and extension. This Institute has brought about a real revolution in farming techniques and has contributed to increased Rice production and improvement of the cultivators’ economic status. The participating farmers learned about developed high yielding varieties of rice and developed advanced farm mechanization technology which has spearheaded Country’s journey towards making the country self-sufficient in many key rice varieties.

The availability of quality seeds of improved cultivars is considered crucial for realizing the productivity and adoption of cultivars in different agro-climatic conditions. The quality of seed alone is known to account for at least a 15 - 25% increase in productivity. The farmers learned about quality seed production, variety selection, seed health management and post-harvest processing. They got the first-hand experience on paddy seed production under upland direct seeded condition. They showed their interest in post-harvest processing and value addition of rice and vegetables. On topics such as quality seed production, variety selection, seed health management, crop insect pest management, crop disease management, seed storage & pest management, post-harvest processing and value addition in rice were delivered by the scientists of NRRI. The participants were also provided with the exposure to the different laboratories to know about