A healthy crop starts before a single seed touches the soil.
Seed treatment campaign (Bihan Bishodhan Abhijan)
Seed is one of the most important basic inputs in agriculture, and proper seed treatment plays an important role in establishing a healthy crop. Seed treatment is also an important component of integrated pest management because it helps protect seeds and young plants from several seed- and soil-borne pests and diseases.
The Foundation has promoted awareness about the importance of seed treatment as part of its efforts to improve crop protection and reduce avoidable crop losses. Appropriate seed-treatment practices can help protect crops during the early stages of growth and contribute to healthier crop establishment.
Seed-treatment materials may include products used for controlling fungal and insect-related problems before sowing. Depending on the crop and locally appropriate recommendations, treatment may also be undertaken using suitable biological or organic methods. Farmers were therefore encouraged to understand the appropriate treatment methods and use them responsibly.
With the objective of conserving farm resources and supporting ecological sustainability, the Social Development Foundation took initiatives to promote seed processing, seed conservation and appropriate seed-treatment practices. Farmers were made aware that simple and timely seed treatment can help reduce the incidence of certain crop diseases and improve crop establishment.
The Foundation promoted both organic approaches and appropriately recommended plant-protection measures for seed treatment. With the support of the District Agriculture Department, Angul, several seed-treatment awareness and demonstration programmes were organized in Banarpal Block during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The campaign focused on creating awareness among farmers about the importance of quality seed, proper seed handling, seed conservation and suitable treatment before sowing. Through demonstrations, farmer interactions and field-level guidance, the Foundation encouraged farmers to incorporate seed treatment into their regular crop-production practices.
Overall, the initiative was intended to strengthen farmers' knowledge of preventive crop protection, reduce avoidable crop losses and encourage more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices at the community level.