ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur organized Kisan Diwas in Enmakaje ST colony
Kisan Diwas was celebrated on 23rd December with a training cum input distribution programme organised by the Directorate, in collaboration with the Tribal Development Department and KVK, Kasaragod, for the Koraga community residing in Enmakaje Panchayat, Kasaragod district. The Koraga community is an indigenous tribal group classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), traditionally dependent on basket weaving for subsistence-based livelihoods. The colony consists of seven households, with wage labour being the primary source of income.
The programme commenced with introductory remarks by Mrs. Veena, Tribal Extension Officer, who highlighted the importance of livelihood-oriented interventions for tribal communities. Mrs. Soudabi Haneef, Standing Committee Chairperson from the panchayat briefed the participants about the importance of such programs in uplifting them and advised them to make best use of such opportunities. Dr. Aswathy Chandrakumar, Scientist (Agricultural Extension), and nodal officer Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) briefed the participants about the newly launched Government initiative “Viksit Bharat – Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevan Mission”, focusing on employment and livelihood security. She also took a lecture on scientific cashew cultivation and informed the beneficiaries about the support and benefits available under the TSP scheme of the Directorate. Ms. Divya Shekhar, Young Professional, Agri Business Incubation (ABI) Centre, elaborated on the value-added products developed from cashew apple and introduced the participants to the activities and entrepreneurship support services offered by the ABI Centre.
As part of the programme, to support their livelihoods, agricultural inputs including chainsaws, sprayers, palm climbers, and spray hoses were distributed to the beneficiary households to enhance their income.The programme effectively combined capacity building, awareness creation, and input support, reinforcing the Directorate’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development and livelihood enhancement of PVTG communities. A total of 40 participants attended the programme including farmers and ST promoters.
