AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Research forms the backbone of development of agriculture on scientific lines. It is particularly so in the context of the policy for achieving self-sufficiency in food-grains.

There are nine Taluka Seed Multiplication Farms in the district which provide better seeds to farmers and cover the entire area under improved varieties. Seed multiplication work is con fined to paddy, jowar and wheat. The nucleus seed produced at the research centre is multiplied on these farms and is then released to the cultivators.

Agricultural demonstration centres serve a useful purpose in demonstrating the improved agricultural practices advocated by the Department on the cultivators' fields. In all, 55 agricultural demonstration centres have been established so far against the target of 30.

Agricultural Education.— Increase in agricultural production is the culminating achievement in the field of agricultural research, supported by a system of agricultural education which provides for instruction in field sciences and their application to the problems of agricultural production. Agricultural education also provides the technical man-power required by the Agriculture Department as well as industries in the private sectors. Agricultural education in the State is being imparted through Agricultural Colleges, Agricultural Schools, Gram-sevak Training Centres, Home Science wings, etc.

Agricultural Schools.— The standard of farming has to be raised by educating the farmers in improved methods of agriculture, but the problem poses many difficulties. A vast agricultural population in the district handicapped with ignorance and poverty spread over villages has to be tackled. Propaganda method and resultant demonstrations have achieved a great measure of success, but the progress can be speeded up and lasting effects could be had only if the younger generation of farmers is educated in scientific farming. With this end in view an agricultural school was established at Gondia in Bhandara district, offering a two years diploma course in agriculture and allied subjects, for students coming from agricultural classes. The courses of study are so drawn up that the pupils would gain a working knowledge of scientific agriculture, animal husbandry, and farm operations through practicals on the farm attached to the school. The training also inculcates a spirit of self help and leadership. In 1964-65, 43 students were admitted in this school, of whom 42 successfully completed their course.

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