Kus Report
Kus Report
By
Soham Sundar Das
4th Yr. B.Sc. (Hons.) Agribusiness
Sri Sri University, Cuttack
Content
Objectives:
Practical Exposure: Offer students firsthand experience of the daily operations and challenges facedby
agricultural units. Provide exposure to a variety of agricultural activities, including crop cultivation,
livestock management, and agribusiness operations.
Skill Development: Foster the development of practical skills crucial for success in the agricultural
sector. Enhance competencies in crop management, soil analysis, irrigation techniques, pest control,
and livestock husbandry.
Industry Integration: Facilitate interaction between students and professionals in the agricultural
industry. Promote networking opportunities, enabling students to build relationships with experts,
mentors, and potential employers.
Innovation and Technology Adoption: Introduces students to the latest technological advancements
in agriculture. Encourage the adoption of innovative farming practices, precision agriculture, and
agtech solutions.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Instill an entrepreneurial mindset by exposing students to various
agribusiness models. Encourage the development of business acumen and the ability to identify and
capitalize on opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Environmental Sustainability: Emphasize the importance of sustainable and environmentally
friendly agricultural practices. Educate students on conservation techniques, organic farming, and the
responsible use of resources.
Research and Data Collection: Engage students in research activities related to agriculture.
Encourage the collection and analysis of data to make informed decisions and implement best
practices.
Community Engagement: Promote a sense of responsibility towards the community by involving
students in outreach programs and community development projects. Highlight the role of agriculture
in addressing food security and rural development.
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Career Preparation: Prepare students for diverse career paths within the agricultural sector. Provide
insights into the various roles and responsibilities associated with agribusiness, research, extension
services, and government agencies.
Duration of KUS:
I completed my Krushi Unnat Sahjogi (KUS) where I was attached to Barang block in Cuttack district. The
programme was for 70 days, starting from 26.09.2023 till 05.12.2024.
The primary mission of a FIAC is to empower farmers with the necessary resources and guidance to make
informed decisions regarding crop management, livestock, and overall farm operations. The center aims to
bridge the gap between scientific advancements in agriculture and practical on-field application by acting as
a knowledge hub.
Key Functions:
Technology Integration:
Many FIACs leverage information and communication technologies (ICTs) to reach a broader audience. This
includes mobile apps, web portals, and SMS services that enable farmers to access information conveniently.
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Community Outreach:
FIACs actively engage in community outreach programs, organizing field visits, farmer fairs, and awareness
campaigns to promote sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.
Government Support:
FIACs often receive support and funding from government agricultural departments, making them integral
components of national agricultural extension services.
STRUCTURE OF ORGANISATION
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REPORTING AT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE
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FARMER INTERACTION AND SURVEY
The farmers’ survey is one of the most important aspects of the KUS programme. Interacting with the
farmers andgetting to know the challenges faced by the farmers on ground level is an important activity.
As per the weekly activities, On Monday, we interacted with the farmers regarding Farm Pond, Watershed,
Micro irrigation, Ama Krushi Helpline, and schemes like MKUY, BALARAM, GO-SUGAM.
On Tuesday, farmers survey was done regarding Soil health card, DBT system, Input & Input dealer
availability, Use of Farm mechanization, Crop insurance.
On Thursday, a survey on various Horticulture activities, PMKSY, Crop Diversification, Market
linkagewas done with the farmers.
I also asked them various questions like whether they know about Ama krushi helpline or if they have
applied for drip or sprinkler irrigation under subsidy.
I interacted with farmers of my allotted G.P and filled in the form in the app by entering their name
andphone number.
We were instructed by the ADAPT team to upload daily data profile of 20 farmers.
INPUT DEALERS
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The input dealer survey was also another important activity which was performed during the KUS programme.
I visited all the input dealer shops which were present in my allotted GP every Wednesday and did a surveyby
collecting their name, number, and the type of dealer they are. I asked them about the POS machine whether
they are using it properly, whether the dealer is maintaining and keeping a register of the fertilizers being sold,
if they have a valid license for selling the fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, whether they have displayed price list
or not etc.
POS Machine: A point-of-sale (POS) is for processing card payments at retail locations. The Agriculture
Department has made it compulsory for retail fertilizer dealers to transact using Point of Sale (PoS) devices.
Selling of fertilizer to farmers is made through a pos machine (point of sale) installed at each fertilizer retailer
shop and the beneficiaries will be identified through Adhar card or farmer id. The entire purchase details of
the farmer are stored in the pos, so it can be checked at any time. Details like amount of fertilizer, subsidy
price of the fertilizer, quantity of fertilizer purchased by farmer, and type of fertilizer.
INTERACTION
WITH INPUT
DEALERS
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VISIT TO PACS
During the KUS programme, I also visited PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Society) presented
indifferent Gram Panchayats.
The main objective of PACS is to provide agricultural loans to the farmers.
They provide loans up to 1 lakh with no interest and loans above 1 lakh and up to 3 lakhs with
2%interest/annum.
Also provide input to farmers like fertilizer and seed.
I also did a survey and asked them the questions mentioned in the questionnaire. The questions were
likedo they get any help from the agriculture dept., have they received any training on climate resilient.
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e-PEST SURVEILLANCE
One of the major activities of our programme was e-pest. Under this programme an app was provided to us
and with the help of that we had to record observations about various pests and diseases occurring in that area.
Training in using the app and how to identify various pests and diseases was given to us during the KUS
training programme.
We were asked to do the surveillance of 0.4 ha. I assisted my VAW in doing e-Pest surveillance. We identified
the major affected fields, contacted the concerned farmers, and did the e-pest surveillance. The steps for the
surveillance in e-Pest are:
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Fig: The 3-steps of e-Pest surveillance
During my visit to different villages, I also interacted with several Self-help Groups. I did the SHG survey by
asking the name of the group, their secretaries’ name, and phone number. During the survey I got to know that
most of the SHG are not functional, very few SHG are functional and do agricultural activities like rice
cultivation and mushroom cultivation.
I interacted with Maa Santoshi SHG at Barajharilo village. They are a group of 10 members. They are
producing and selling Fish and Fish products. They are rearing Rohu, Catla & Mrigal.
Fig: With the Secretary & President Fig: Pond where fish cultivation is
being practiced
of Maa Santoshi SHG
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VISIT TO SINGHOL NURSERY
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Fig: Coconut sapling Fig: Hibiscus saplings
Mango varieties grown and grafted include Amrapali, Dashehari, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Mallika,
Alphonso.
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INTERACTION WITH AHO (Assistant Horticulture Officer)
I visited the assistant director of the horticulture office and met AHO Mrs. Pushpita Sahoo. I got to know
about the various schemes and ongoing mission in the block and it’s functioning such as:
MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): The objective of the scheme is the
holistic growth of vegetables, fruits, tuber crops, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, and all horticulture
covering sectors. Mainly aims for the plantation of mango, banana, and papaya.
PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana): The main aim of this scheme is the installation
of micro irrigation system viz, drip and sprinkler irrigation system at farm level. The main vision of this
scheme is Har Khet ko Pani.
Mushroom Mission: The objective of the mission is to increase mushroom production in the state, to
ensure sustainable income generation, to provide livelihood support to women SHGs through this mission.
For area expansion (150 beds) in open condition: (a) if individual member of SHG is doing then
she will get 7000/- under MIDH+ State plan.
(b) if group is doing then, 8000/- under MIDH+ State plan
For mushroom production unit: total project cost is 1,33,000/-
(a) For individual member: 40,000/- under MIDH + 30,000/- under state plan
(b) For WSHG: 40,000/- under MIDH + 40,000/- under State plan.
Flori Mission: It is also an initiative for providing livelihood support to women SHGs.
Total production cost for loose flower cultivation for 1ha is 40,000/-
(a) Subsidy for individual member: 28,000/- (16,000/- under MIDH + 12,000/- under state plan)
(b) For WSHG: 32,000/- (16,000/- under MIDH + 16,000/- under state plan)
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INTERACTION WITH SOIL CONSERVATION OFFICER:
I interacted with the Deputy Director of Soil Conservation about their work principles and the work
they do. Further she briefed me about:
Farm pond scheme: The objective of this scheme is to provide lifesaving irrigation in the event of
erratic rainfall during kharif. Another objective is adopting IFS for sustainable agriculture & additional
income generation to farm families.
Size & depth of pond and the amount for it: The ponds are made manually by the job card holders
under MGNREGA eligible beneficiaries and will get paid accordingly. The subsidy is according to the
size of the pond i.e
(a) Model 1: 10m x 10 m x 3 m (amount- 60,000/-)
(b) Model 2: 15 m x 15 m x 3 m (amount- 1,30,000/-)
(c) Model 3: 20 m x 20 m x 3 m (amount- 2,00,000/-)
Farm pond plus: It is an approach to help farmers in doubling their income from farm ponds by
converging activities of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries & animal husbandry department.
Soil moisture conservation activities: to create structures which help to percolate water inside ground
to increase the ground water like field bunds, runoff management structure, water absorption tank, loose
boulder check dam etc.
Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP): It focuses on Integrated Farming System (IFS) for
enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variabilities.
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SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION
Soil testing is an essential component of soil resource management. Each sample collected must be a
true representative of the area being sampled. The utility of the results obtained from the laboratory
analysis depends on the sampling precision.
Sampling from different locations in a zig-zag pattern ensures homogeneity and the sample will
resemble the whole plot/field.
I visited the Soil Testing Laboratory present in Jagatpur block to better learn about Soil Health Card.
There I interacted with their staff and got to know about soil health cards, and the 12 parameters
whichare being tested in the laboratory.
The soil samples of all the blocks of Cuttack district are kept here. After being processed they are sent
for testing.
SOIL HEALTH CARD: A Soil Health Card is used to assess the status of soil health and, whenused over
time, to determine changes in soil health that are affected by land management. It displays soilhealth
indicators and associated descriptive terms. The indicators are typically based on farmers' practical
experience and knowledge of local natural resources. The card lists soil health indicators that can be
assessed without the aid of technical or laboratory equipment. It contains the status of soil with respect
to 12 parameters, like N, P, K (Macro-nutrients); S (Secondary-nutrient); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro
-
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nutrients); and pH, EC, OC (Physical parameters). Based on this, the SHC will also indicate fertilizer
recommendations and soil amendment required for the farm.
SHC SCHEME: This scheme aims at promoting soil test-based balanced use of fertilizers and soil
amendment to enable farmers to get higher yields at low cost. The main objective of this scheme is to
create awareness for farmers about the appropriate amount of nutrients for the crop depending on the
quality and strength of the soil.
At the lab, the staff showed us various instruments which are used to test the 12 parameters. They even
explained to us tests which were being performed at the time of the visit.
After interacting with the staff, I got to know that the soils of Barang block are mostly deficient in Zinc.
Also, I got to know that many farmers are not aware about soil health cards. Those who are aware they
arenot testing the soil. And if the farmer is testing the soil, they are not getting the soil health report at
propertime at GP level and could not apply fertilizer according to the report.
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VISIT TO HATCHERY
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IFS VERIFICATION VISIT
I and my co-associates along with the AAO, BTM and ATM of Barang Block went for the 1(A)
Verification of Integrated Farming System on 06 Oct 2023.
We went to 4 farmers of different villages for verification who has applied to be a beneficiary under IFS.
Verification was done by the officers based on farm pond and vermicompost unit. The main criteria for
the farm pond are that it should be done under the farm pond scheme of Government of Odisha.
There are 3 types of IFS model: 1. Large Scale IFS model (2-2.5 acres)
2. Medium Scale IFS model (1-2 acres)
3. Small Scale IFS model (0.5-1 acre)
In the case of Large and medium IFS models, the farm pond is compulsory. Whereas, in case of small
IFS models, farm pond is optional for the farmers.
Farmers who have existing farm ponds availed under MGNREGS are given priority during the selection
of a beneficiary.
Vermicomposting is an important aspect in IFS. So, in the initial stages of development of the model we
saw vermicompost tanks of dimension 10'X6'X3' with 9” inch thick brick wall. For circulation of air holes
are done on the walls. Plastering of outer wall and floor is also done or not was verified.
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MEETING AT BLOCK AGRICULTURE OFFICE
1. WEEKLY MEETING:
At the end of every week a weekly meeting is conducted in the presence of BAO, AAO, BTM, ATM &
VAWs.
The aim of this meeting was to discuss various ways to convey the message to the farmer regarding new
schemes, about crop diversification etc.
In this meeting, discussion regarding the progress of the ongoing schemes of different GPs,
comprehensive project on rice fallow management, soil health card feedback of farmers, input
distribution etc is done.
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Fig: BTT meeting
Ama Krushi is a free agricultural service run in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government
of Odisha which provides customised agricultural advice to farmers at no cost. They currently provide free
advisory to 6,638,723 enrolled farmers. The meeting was to make the farming community aware of the great
initiative by the Government of Odisha.
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4. FARMER TRAINING PROGRAMME:
A Block Level Training Programme was organized to promote the cultivation of jute and
production of different value-added products.
The meeting was attended by ADO of Cuttack sadar division.
The meeting was also attended by AHO of Barang block who enlightened about the different
benefits & schemes for mushroom cultivation.
5. BLTC MEETING:
In the BLTC (Block Level Triangulation Committee) meeting the village wise crop area reported
bythe VAW/AO is compared with that furnished by the SFS/SFI/SSFI. It is led by the BAO.
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VISIT TO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON MILLETS 2023
Fig: Papad made from millets Fig: Rangoli made from different types of
millets
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VISIT TO KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA, CUTTACK
All the KUS associates appointed in Cuttack district visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra situated
Uchhapada, Cuttack on 16th Nov 2023.
There we were welcomed by all the staff and scientists present on the premises.
Scientists from different departments interacted with us in the conference room for about 3hours.
After that we visited the different units present on the premises such as mushroom, AWS,
Bellpepper nethouse, etc.
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Fig: Mushroom unit Fig: Apiary unit
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Fig: Interaction with Agri-met scientist Fig: Interaction with agronomy scientist
Fig: Interaction with Horticulture scientist Fig: Interaction with Veterinary scientist
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i) ORISSA AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 2000
All models are developed and designed by development engineers, OFMRDC, Satyanagar BBSR.
The prices are also fixed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment.
It is a Small-scale Industry which makes manual & motorized farm implements.
All the implements are sold under subsidy. The subsidy amount varies such as 40% for General, 50%
for woman, ST & SC and 75% for SHG groups.
All manually operated implements are exempt from GST.
All the implements are sold to the government from whom the farmers buy in subsidized amounts.
Some instruments are developed in collaboration with OUAT for which they have patented rights
such as OUAT Cycle Weeder, manual maize sheller.
Employment
generated: 15
labours + 03
administrative
Annual turnover:
₹1.5-2crores.
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OUAT CYCLE WEEDER POWER THRESHER CUM WINNOWER
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POWER OPERATED MAIZE SHELLER MANGO PLUCKER
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b) MUSHROOM ENTERPRISE
Established in 2019
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PADDY-STRAW MUSHROOM BEDS
SPAWN BOTTLES
VERMICOMPOSTING
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c) POULTRY FARM
Established in 2010
The facility has 3 poultry shelters (hatch houses) each having a capacity of 6000 broiler chickens.
The total capacity of the facility is 18000 chickens.
The facility grows chicken for Pasupati Group.
Every material including chicks, feed, and medicine, is supplied by this group. They are only
rendering labour for poultry care and getting satisfactory income.
The chickens weight an avg.of 2.5-2.8kgs
The avg. income is around ₹2-2.5lakhs/month.
Employment: 05
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POULTRY SHELTER HOUSES
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CONCLUSION
Two months of exposure in the KUS programme has helped me with interacting with the farmers during the
village activities and their feedback helped me to understand the ground scenario of agriculture. It offered me
an opportunity to gain experience of rural areas, rural people, and their social structure. The training
programme and its execution helped farmers to know about new techniques and create ventures for self-
employment. In my point of view, I tried my best to get close to the farmers and learned many things from
them and I also tried to make them acquainted with modern technologies and practices through our training
programme. They also share their age-old practical knowledge which will help me soon. Hence the KUS
programme was really a fruitful one for both of us i.e. farmers and me. I want to admit that the KUS programme
really taught us many things which encouraged us and provided us with the strength to face the future queries
of farmers. The knowledge and skill which I learned from this KUS programme will make the country’s
agricultural scenario better.
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