Meghalaya hosts impact assessment workshop to boost agricultural programming

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 13, 2024

The three-day workshop on “Impact Assessment & Capacity Building Workshop for Akashvani’s Kisanvani and Doordarshan’s Kisan and Krishi Darshan Programme Producers from the East Zone and North East Region” began on November 12 with an inaugural session at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Umiam, Meghalaya.

The workshop, running from November 12 to 14, aims to strengthen agricultural programming to uplift rural livelihoods across the East Zone and Northeast region.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. B. D. R Tiwari, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, and Chief Electoral Officer. Other dignitaries included Ashish Bhatnagar, Additional Director General (A&BO) for the North East Zone of AIR and DD, Dr. Venu Prasad H.D, Joint Director (Mass Media) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Vijendra S Sajwan, Assistant Director of Programmes (F&H/Policy) DG, Akashvani Delhi, H. Diengdoh, Deputy Director and Head of Office at Akashvani Shillong, and Ms. Mary Marbaniang, Head of Programme, Akashvani Shillong.

In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. B. D. R Tiwari highlighted the importance of Akashvani and Doordarshan as key sources of trusted information for India’s farming communities. “Akashvani remains a significant force, touching our hearts with its words. Even with the advances in technology, channels like Kisanvani serve as the true voice of farmers,” he said.

Dr. Tiwari emphasized that channels like Kisanvani and Krishi Darshan are among the longest-running agricultural programming formats worldwide, evolving to meet the changing needs of rural communities. He commended AIR and DD’s efforts to ensure quality, fact-based news that serves the nation’s population. He urged documentation of age-old agricultural practices and called for better integration of such knowledge in government schemes.

The workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including innovations, traditional farming practices, and ways to make scientific knowledge more accessible to farmers. “Our farmers, especially in the Northeast, have a wealth of agricultural heritage and practices that remain undocumented. This workshop will explore the best ways to broadcast this knowledge, so it reaches every farmer, and to document and preserve these time-tested methods,” he concluded.

Ashish Bhatnagar, ADG NEZ, Akashvani & Doordarshan, fondly mentioned the significance of November 12, as All India Radio celebrates Public Service Broadcasting Day in India commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s historic visit to All India Radio (AIR) in 1947.

Bhatnagar reiterated that Public Service Broadcasting Day serves as an occasion to appreciate the role of All India Radio and Doordarshan, India’s public broadcasting platforms, in providing information, education, and entertainment to the masses.

Bhatnagar highlighted the extensive reach of All India Radio, noting that AIR in Northeast India disseminates programmes and news in 90 different languages or dialects. AIR’s outreach in rural India aligns closely with Gandhi’s principles. Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed that India’s soul resided in its villages. His vision of development included empowering rural communities, and in many ways, AIR has continued to keep this vision alive by addressing issues relevant to rural populations, he added.

He encouraged all participants of the programme, who are attending from across the Northeast and East India, to maintain its focus on unbiased information, national unity, and social welfare. He further emphasized that it is a day to honor the commitment of broadcasting channels to serve the public, especially those in rural and remote areas who rely on these services for information, education, and entertainment. He added that programmes related to farming techniques, health advice, educational initiatives, and weather updates have been lifelines for millions across the country, especially those in remote areas.

AIR and Doordarshan have been committed to the cause of farming communities of the country since 1967. In particular, AIR has been broadcasting a dedicated programme for farmers in their own languages and dialects throughout the community since 2004 in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. Doordarshan started a dedicated farmers’ channel, DD Kisan, in 2015 at the initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The Impact Assessment & Capacity Building Workshop for the programme producers of AIR and DD are held at regular intervals which acknowledge local progressive farmers.