ICAR-CIRCOT organises Awareness Program on Government Schemes for Farmers of Tribal Communities

A team from ICAR-CIRCOT, comprising Dr. Kanika Sharma and Ms. Prachi Mahatre, organized an awareness program in a tribal village of Shahpur block, Thane district, on 9th November 2025 as part of the ongoing Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada. 

The awareness program organized by ICAR-CIRCOT focused on empowering tribal farmers and women through awareness of various government schemes, sustainable farming practices and livelihood opportunities. Officials from the State Agricultural Department and ICAR-CIRCOT team interacted with the community and demonstrated the preparation of Jeevamrut to promote organic farming. The participants were informed about important schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), which supports value addition and marketing of forest-based products; the RKVY–RAFTAAR scheme that provides funding support up to ₹25 lakh for innovative agri-startups; and the National Bamboo Mission, which encourages bamboo cultivation and utilization for the production of value-added products. The women participants were apprised of various skill development schemes and financial assistance programs under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), enabling them to apply for training and funds for small-scale enterprises. During the field visit, the team observed millet cultivation by demonstrating the organic fertilizer as shown in the image and also emphasized the potential of value addition to millets by making various value-added products such as biscuits for improving household income and market reach.

The event was attended by approximately 50 tribal farmers and women participants, who actively interacted with the speakers and expressed interest in adopting organic practices and accessing available government support schemes.