Japan agency promotes scientific farming techniques in Mandi

Under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (Phase II), the District Project Management Unit (DPMU), Mandi, is actively encouraging farmers to adopt modern and scientific agricultural techniques to improve productivity and sustainability.

As part of this initiative, the DPMU organised a practical demonstration of wheat and pea sowing using a seed drill machine for farmers of FIS Kasarla during the ongoing Rabi season. The demonstration aimed to familiarise farmers with the advantages of scientific farming methods. Similarly, the Block Project Management Unit (BPMU), Gohar, conducted demonstrations of pea sowing in the Gadhiman–Majhothi and FIS Surathi–Thachi areas. Farmers were briefed on the functioning of the seed drill machine and received hands-on experience in its operation.

The district project manager, Dr Hem Raj Verma, highlighted the benefits of seed drill sowing over traditional methods. “Compared to manual sowing, seed drills save about 20-25 per cent of seeds, reduce labour and time and ensure more uniform germination,” he said.

During the programme, agricultural experts also shared guidance on seed treatment, fertiliser management and the advantages of line sowing. Farmers appreciated the initiative and urged such training and demonstration programmes be organised regularly to strengthen their technical knowledge and enhance farm efficiency.

The JICA-supported project aims to promote crop diversification in the state by introducing improved agricultural technologies, sustainable farming methods and capacity-building programmes for farmers across the state.