DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC SEEDLINGS OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS BY RURAL FARMERS AND DISSEMINATION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Principal Investigator	:	Dr. S. S. Hussaini, HOPE FIRST, Bangalore
Nodal Officer	:	Shri U. T. Vijay
Project Cost	:	Rs. 35,75,495/-
Supported by	:	DST, GOI

Introduction:

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India vide its Sanction Order no.DST/SSTP/Karnataka/LSR/2010/119(G) dated 26-09-2011 have sanctioned this project to HOPE FIRST, Bangalore with a budget of Rs.35,75,495/- and a release of RS.16,13,495/- to the Council. The Department of Science and Technology has also directed the Council to release the funds to HOPE (First) on obtaining the necessary bond and appoint a Nodal Officer to monitor the project activities. KSCST has nominated Mr. U.T.Vijay as Nodal Officer to coordinate and monitor the project activities.

Objectives:

• To generate awareness among rural farmers on the potential use of bio- pesticides, bio-fertilizers, botanicals and production of organic seedlings

• To standardize the strategies for the production of organic seedlings of Horticulture crops

• To take up mass production of Bio-agents and Bio fertilizers

• To train the rural women in the production of organic seedlings

• To Establish the linkages between rural farmers, NGOs and other agencies

Progress:

HOPE FIRST, an NGO has commenced the execution of the project by initiating the following activities:

• Signed MOU between HOPE FIRST and DST, GOI (facilitated by the Council)

• Establishment of Project office and Infrastructure

• Recruitment of necessary project personnel

• Preparation of training module