Prayagraj, 30 Sept (HS): A five-day training programme for 60 selected women

farmers from Narayanpur, Jamalpur, Rajgarh, Kon and Chhanbey development blocks

of Mirzapur district is being organized at the Directorate of Extension, Sam

Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS),

Prayagraj, under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (ATMA) Scheme,

sponsored by the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Extension), Mirzapur. The

programme commenced on 28 September 2026.

On 30 September 2026, Vice-Chancellor of SHUATS, Prof. (Dr.) Jonathan A. Lal,

along with Prof. (Dr.) Abhilasha J. Lal, Director (HRM & R), Director,

Campus Ministry and First Lady of the University, participated in the training

programme as distinguished guests.

Dr. Praveen Charan, Director, Extension, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor with a

bouquet, while Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Chaurasia, Joint Director, Extension, welcomed

Prof. (Dr.) Abhilasha J. Lal. Training Coordinator Dr. T. D. Mishra briefed the

guests about the programme and invited them to guide the participating women

farmers through their knowledge and experience.

Addressing the women farmers, Prof. (Dr.) Jonathan A. Lal said that SHUATS

has always remained committed to the welfare of farmers. He stated that the

University has been associated with farmers since 1910 and will continue to

work for their welfare. He informed that scientists from the Directorate of

Extension are working with farmers across seven districts. He encouraged

farmers to share their agricultural problems with the Directorate and its

scientists so that research-based solutions could be developed and applied

directly in their fields.

He emphasized that farmers are the providers of food and that the progress

of the state and the country is closely linked with the strength and prosperity

of farmers. He further said that the five-day training should not be viewed

merely as a training programme; rather, the participating women farmers have

become a part of the SHUATS family and may approach the University through

phone, WhatsApp or by visiting the campus for solutions to their agricultural

problems.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Abhilasha J. Lal highlighted the

important role of women in agriculture and women empowerment. She said that

women farmers work shoulder to shoulder with men, from sowing crops and

bringing produce home to managing their families, and their contribution to

agriculture cannot be underestimated. She emphasized the need to connect women

farmers with modern agricultural technologies.

She stated that adoption of new technologies by both farmers and women

farmers can help reduce the cost of cultivation and increase farm income. She

described such training programmes as an important platform where farmers can

discuss their problems with scientists and receive scientific solutions.

She also encouraged the farmers to promote Shree Anna (millets), stating

that millet production and consumption can contribute towards addressing

malnutrition in rural areas. She further suggested that farmers should explore

value addition, packaging and cottage industries based on their agricultural

produce. Such activities, she said, can increase farmers' income, create

employment opportunities for women and help reduce migration of young people

from villages.

On the occasion, Dr. Sarvendra Kumar, Scientist, delivered a session on

animal husbandry, while Dr. Yogesh Chandra Srivastava provided information

about SHUATS and its activities. Scientists and staff members of the

Directorate of Extension were present during the programme.

At the conclusion, Dr. T. D. Mishra, Training Coordinator, proposed the vote

of thanks and expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests and participating

women farmers.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi