Crop protection tips for farmers in Pench Buffer

Nagpur: At a time when the cases of harvesting of crops and livestock are increasing in the state, The villagers living on the banks of Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra have been given a lesson to get rid of this problem.

Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working with communities in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dudhbardi (Kalameshwar) and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ramtek, organized a one-day session for the stakeholders in the buffer zone of Pench.

The objective of the session is to provide information on livestock management, disease prevention, treatment and discussion on issues such as harvesting of livestock by wildlife. Dr. Ashwini Gadhade, Livestock Development Officer (LDO) of Ramtek Panchayat Samiti has provided information regarding stall feeding of milch animals.

Dr. Ashwini has also given information about the construction and design of Gaushalas and also emphasized the importance of regular cleaning of Gaushalas to prevent infections and diseases. She has also said that by adopting stall feeding and building even better gaushalas, villagers can significantly improve milk production, Diseases can also be prevented and the possibility of destruction of livestock by wildlife can be greatly avoided.

Dr Preeti Sirsat, Livestock Development Officer, Hiwara has also explained about different diseases and symptoms. He has also provided a lot of information about very low cost home remedies, Which villagers can adopt apart from medical help from government veterinary doctors.

Village Environment Development Committees

Tushar Meshram (Agriculture Extension) and Amol Harne (Crop Protection), both subject experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dudhbardi have also given information about different types of fodder that can be cultivated by the farmers.

They have also provided solutions when there is the shortage of fodder. Tushar also explained the availability of fodder and its impact on climate change.

Mandar Pingale, assistant director of the Satpuda Foundation, also spoke about the dangers of grazing animals inside forests and wildlife habitats. He has also said that there is always a struggle between domestic animals and wildlife for resources like water and fodder.

Pingle also asked the farmers to take advantage of the compensation schemes being implemented by the Forest Department of Maharashtra and also poison wildlife to take revenge on the villagers. Or it has also been urged to stay away from malpractices like being struck by lightning. He has also told the villagers how Village Environment Development Committees (VEDCs) can also promote livestock development through Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Yojna. And also urged various departments to cooperate for betterment.

Other volunteers from different villages including Bandu Uikey, Assistant Conservation Officer of Satpuda Foundation were also present.

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