HT Correspondent
NAGAON, June 27: NABARD, Assam RO, sanctioned a unique project titled ‘Climate Resilient Tea Cultivation and AI-based Pest Management for Small Tea Growers’ across the state.
The project was ceremonially inaugurated jointly by DC, Nagaon Narendra Kr Shah, and Loken Das, GM, OIC of NABARD, in the presence of deputy director of Tea Board India Kamal Ch Baishya, principal scientist and head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagaon – Dr Niranjan Deka, NABARD AGM Sankar Das, DDM, NABARD, LDM, Nagaon, regional managers of SBI and AGVB, representatives from DAO, DICC, and others.
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The implementing agency will be IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Ltd. (IKSL), and the pilot will be implemented for the STGs of Sewujjyoti Tea Federation, located at Chapanalla in Barhampur Development Block of Nagaon District.
Speaking on the occasion, Loken Das, GM, OIC of NABARD, suggested that as per its mandate for the development of rural areas and the farm sector in the country, NABARD has been implementing various projects like integrated watershed development with climate-proofing interventions, integrated tribal development programs, precision farming, and climate change projects, etc. From the surpluses generated from its business activities. Through such projects, NABARD disseminates the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) and various technological advancements in the agri-horti sector for the greater benefit of farmers and artisans in rural areas. He suggested that based on the success of the pilot project, its replication can be considered among other groups, along with the involvement of all stakeholders.
Guiding the participants following the inaugural session, DC, Nagaon Narendra Kr Shah expressed that in the current turbulent times, such initiatives by NABARD will be a great help to the STGs in Nagaon and the sector as a whole. He appreciated the efforts of NABARD through its implementing agencies like IKSL for spreading the use of the latest technological advancements and encouraging farmers to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides in their farmlands. He also suggested that tea growers judiciously use the resources provided under the pilot project and consider establishing their own brand.
Sharing the role and view of Tea Board India, Kamal Ch Baishya stated that the Tea Board is undertaking every possible step to retain the confidence of local and global consumers. He suggested that all farmers should follow the plant protection codes released by the Board, including checking the quality of tea leaves at regular intervals. He also congratulated NABARD for conceptualising such an AI-based project for the tea sector.
During the event, equipment like automated wireless weather stations, soil moisture sensors, SMART ravagers, etc., were distributed among the members of the Federation, as stated in a press note here.
