The Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Arasampalayam, Coimbatore Campus, successfully hosted a DST-SEED-PVTG sponsored Farmers Adoption Seminar on “PanchaKrishi – A Multidimensional Polyculture for Food and Nutritional Security, Climate Resilience and Livelihood Improvement of Tribal Farmers of Attappady and Sadivayal.”
The programme began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Sudheesh Manalil, Dean, who emphasized the role of PanchaKrishi in enhancing food security, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and improving tribal livelihoods.
Eminent dignitaries including Dr. Gopakumar S (Kerala Agricultural University), Dr. P. Govindaraj (ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute), and Mr. Suchet R. Balkal, IFS, shared valuable insights on agroforestry, institutional collaboration, and support systems for tribal farming communities.
A first-year progress report of the DST project was presented by Dr. Iniyakumar M, highlighting its positive impact on food security and livelihood opportunities. Lead farmers from Attappady and Sadivayal were honoured for hosting experimental trials.
The seminar witnessed active participation from 100 tribal farmers, who engaged with scientists and showcased their traditional agricultural songs and dances. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sivaraj P, reaffirming the importance of integrated polyculture systems in sustainable tribal development.
