Editorial

Abstract

Farmers or the ‘Annadata’ of our country are the backbone of the economy. Theyare the ones who work diligently throughout the year to ensure that there isenough food for everyone. Farmers are a living repository of traditional knowledgeowing to their vast farm experience. Despite having a ‘Know How’, the knowledgeand innovations the farmers have not been valued much and they have been a mereparticipant and not as a partner in the scientific research. The wisdom available withthe farmers have not been channelized enough to evaluate suitable options fordifferent production systems. On the other hand, the scientific technology from thelab has not been effectively transmitted in the farmer’s field. However, to someextent, the increasing advancement in technology has resulted in increasing theagricultural production.

Though farmers are the one who provide our basic food, they suffer the most withthe prevailing high inflation in agricultural inputs, pressure on land and waterresources. Keeping these challenges in mind, ICAR launched the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) to improve the livelihood of the farmers and double their incomeby 2022. FFP has spread across the country and the interaction between farmers andscientists is taking place in real-time. The objective of our Hon’ble Prime Ministerto double the income of farmers by 2022 is seemingly possible according to thesuccess stories recorded in many FFPs centre that are presented in this special issueon the Farmer’s Day. The FFP has been able to penetrate into the villages and theyhave joined to adopt the technical interventions. This is gradually bringing thespillover effects across the country. The objective of farmers-scientists interface infarmer’s farm is successfully taking place in all the FFPs centres. This is expectedto bring changes in technological interventions that are in accordance with the needsof farmers and bring farmers closer to scientific knowledge.

We are happy to share the contribution made by FFP in this special issue on theoccassion of National Farmer’ Day or Kisan Diwas.