One day training program ‘Onion Production Technology’ on the occasion of Kisan Samman Diwas (Farmer’s Day) under TSP & SCSP and cleanliness activities on 23rd Dec 2025 was organized by ICAR-DOGR, Pune of on-going Swachhta Pakhwada 2025 during 16-31st Dec 2025. The TSP and SCSP schemes intend to help weaker section farmers to create productive assets that will encourage long-term growth through improved agricultural output and income generation. As part of its both activities, ICAR-DOGR frequently organizes training, demonstrations and input distribution for onion and garlic growing and seed production in order to offer farmers with a source of income through these schemes. TSP & SCSP are ongoing components of ICAR’s outreach and extension framework, implemented every year through institute-level plans aimed at empowering tribal and scheduled caste farmers enhancing agricultural development in their regions. A total of 80 selected farmers from different villages including Bursewadi, Chitale, Gohebadru and Terungan of Khed taluka under TSP while Alame (Taluk Junnar), Kanhewadi and Kadadhe villages of Khed taluka of Pune (MS) under SCSP participated in the training program.

Dr. V. Mahajan, Director, ICAR-DOGR Pune welcomed all the farmers for the training program and addressed to adapt 18 improved onion and four garlic varieties along with advanced production and plant protection technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR to enhance farmers income. The program was coordinated by Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Pr. Scientist (Hort.)/ Onion Breeder and Nodal Officer (TSP) & (SBA) and Dr. S. S. Gadge, Pr. Scientist (Agri. Extension)/ Nodal Officer (SCSP). Dr. Gupta delivered lecture on TSP activities, improved varieties and production technology of onion and garlic. He also highlighted the importance on the birth anniversary of India’s great leader, visionary thinker and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, who dedicated his entire life to the rights, dignity and self-respect of farmers. Dr. Gupta also created awareness about the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Bill 2025 to the participants. The G RAM G Mission is a key pillar in achieving complete rural development and the vision of a developed India. Dr. Ram Dutta, Pr. Scientist (Plant Pathology) spoke on Integrated Pest and Disease Management in onion crops, while Dr. Gadge elaborated on livelihood enhancement initiatives for SC farmers under the SCSP scheme. The lectures conclude with the message that respect for farmers is respect for the nation and by uniting science, policy and farmers including the dream of a developed India can be realized, ending with gratitude and the slogans: Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Hind.

The program also featured experience sharing by farmers on Swachhta initiatives implemented in their villages. This was followed by the distribution of certificates to farmers in recognition of their contributions towards cleanliness and sanitation. The event witnessed active participation from farmers and successfully enhanced awareness on sustainable agriculture, hygiene and livelihood development. The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Gadge.