Munish Sood
Mandi
Taking scientific farming and modern livestock practices to rural communities, Kalpataru Foundation, under the leadership of Prof. Anupama Singh, organised a special programme for Scheduled Caste livestock farmers at Devdhar in Mandi on Tuesday, focusing on improved fodder production, animal nutrition and better farm incomes.
The Advanced Fodder Grass Seed and Agricultural Equipment Distribution Programme was organised at the Sat Bala Kameshwar Temple premises under the SC-Sub Plan Scheme. The initiative was jointly undertaken by ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi, Centre for Indian Himalayan Grasslands, Directorate of Community Services (DCS), Career Point University, Hamirpur, and Kalpataru Foundation.
The programme was organised in the fond and cherished memory of Dr. R.K. Raju, father of Prof. Anupama Singh. Through the initiative, Prof. Singh and the Kalpataru Foundation sought to connect rural families with scientific knowledge, improved agricultural resources and practical techniques that can contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
More than 150 farmers and livestock rearers participated in the programme, while 100 selected Scheduled Caste livestock farmers from Manthla Panchayat were provided high-protein fodder grass seeds and root slips, including Setaria and Paspalum, along with agricultural implements such as spades, hoes and other equipment.
Experts from ICAR–IGFRI, including Scientist-in-Charge Dr. Shiraz Bhatt, Scientist Surendra Paul and Dr. Gulshan Kumar, educated farmers about scientific fodder cultivation, balanced animal nutrition, improved fodder varieties and modern livestock management. They explained that availability of nutritious fodder can improve animal health and milk production and, in turn, strengthen the income of livestock-rearing families.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anupama Singh said rural development could not be achieved merely by providing assistance to farmers. They needed access to knowledge, technology, resources and markets so that they could build sustainable livelihoods.
She emphasised that quality fodder was the foundation of healthy livestock and improved milk production, making it directly relevant to the economic well-being of farming families.
The programme also reflected the broader vision of the Kalpataru Foundation, which seeks to take initiatives in education, healthcare, skill development, agriculture and livelihood generation to rural communities.
Career Point University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, OSD Richa Sharma, Dr. Gulshan Kumar and representatives of the university and ICAR–IGFRI interacted with the farmers and highlighted the importance of adopting scientific methods in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Manthla Panchayat Pradhan Praveen, Vice-Pradhan Mahesh, and members of the Sat Bala Kameshwar Temple Committee, including President Mukesh, Prince and Sen, were also present. The local panchayat and temple committee extended support for the successful organisation of the programme.
The programme conveyed the message: “Quality Fodder, Healthy Livestock — Prosperous Farmers, Empowered Society.”
A community meal was also arranged for the participating farmers after the programme.
