NICRA Project launched in Barmer district of Rajasthan on 4th August, 2015

The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project was launched at Sujansingh Sutharo ka Talla village of Barmer Panchyat Samitil in Barmer district on 04^th August 2015. ICAR-CRIDA which is coordinating the NICRA project implemented by 100 KVKs since 2011 at the national level is expanding the project implementation to 21 additional districts identified for their climate vulnerability from 2015 onwards. The technology demonstration component of NICRA in the district will be implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) operated by SURE.

In 12^th Plan, ICAR identified Barmer district of Rajasthan for its vulnerability to drought. The district experiences less than 300 mm of rainfall during the south-west monsoon period and frequently experiences both onset delay and deficit rainfall conditions.  Rainfed agriculture is practiced in 14 lakh ha (80% of net sown area) in sandy and sandy loam soils with low water holding capacity. Famers cultivate Pearl millet, Greengram, Moth bean and Cluster bean. Major source of irrigation is tube wells and groundwater is overexploited.

As part of the project launch, an office for running the project was inaugurated in the village by Smt. Priyanka Meghwal, Zilla Pramukh, Zilla Parishad, Barmer. Under This project Custom Hiring Centre will provide access to farm implements at affordable rates to needy farmers and will be operated by the Village Climate Risk Management Committee (VCRMC).  

About 200 farmers and farm women including village leaders participated in the inaugural meeting. Dr Prakash Kulkarni, Retd. Principal Scientist, NRCP, Solapur addressed the gathering and assured support to the implementing KVK.

Dr Pradeep Pagaria, Programme Coordinator, explained the objectives of the NICRA project to enhance the coping ability and resilience of farmers to increasing threats of climate variability. Jetha Ram, president, VCRMC outlined the project implementation steps to farmers.

Subject matter specialists of KVK Shri S. L, Kantwa presented the action plan for technology demonstrations in the village covering water harvesting, soil health, crops, horticulture, livestock and participation in community interventions.