Agriculture & It's Allied Activities
Program on Agriculture and Dairy Development Most of the people in the working area of this organization are involved in agriculture and its allied activities directly and indirectly. It is found that most of them are marginal farmers. So, the organization has focused on it to strengthen them financially. On the other hand it is very helpful to the unemployed youth. So for the enhancement of economic condition of the farmer the organization undertake a number of activities time to time. It encourages them to be engage in modern agriculture and from practice. This year also it has taken few activities such as.
Farm School-
The 16 Mile Rural Development Society implemented a highly effective program known as Mushroom School, which serves as a practical training method for aspiring entrepreneurs. This program offers participants hands-on experience and ongoing support without a strict time limit. Initially, the organization motivates both men and women to enhance their financial viability through entrepreneurship. Interested candidates are invited to visit the Mushroom production center, where they can observe live operations. Over 50 women engaged in this initiative, actively participating in the training. They learned the entire mushroom cultivation process firsthand, practicing alongside experienced workers whenever they needed assistance, thereby building their skills and confidence.
FPC & REH Promotion Program-
The Farmer’s Producer Company (FPC) is a unique initiative by NABARD designed to provide farmers with both technical and financial benefits through a collective framework. The 16 Mile Rural Development Society has been actively promoting the establishment of FPCs in Malda district. Over the past financial year, the organization has conducted numerous awareness meetings with farmers to highlight the advantages of joining FPCs, aiming to enhance their livelihoods and strengthen community ties.
In addition to the FPC initiative, the Rural Entrepreneurship Hub (REH) is another beneficial program supported by the District Industrial Centre (DIC). The 16 Mile Rural Development Society promotes the REH in Malda by organizing awareness sessions targeting youth. These sessions lead to the formation of youth groups focused on entrepreneurship. Projects proposed by these groups can receive financial backing from DIC, as well as government funding, fostering local economic development and empowering young entrepreneurs in the region.
Goat, Fish & Poultry Distribution-
The 16 Mile Rural Development Society has been actively inspiring rural men and women to participate in micro-farming practices, such as backyard poultry, goat rearing, and small-scale fishery. This initiative has gained valuable support from the Bio-tech Kishan Hub, enhancing its impact in the community. This year, the organization selected 200 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Malda and Dakhin Dinajpur districts to receive local breed chickens for their backyard poultry ventures. The organization provides ongoing technical support, ensuring these women have the resources they need to succeed.
Additionally, 100 women from SHGs and 50 men from local groups were encouraged to engage in home-based goat rearing and micro-level fish farming. The organization supplies them with essential inputs and shares vital information to facilitate their success. Through these efforts, the 16 Mile Rural Development Society aims to empower rural communities, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance food security in the region.
Demonstration on Hybrid Napier Seeds-
16 Mile Rural Development Society has been working for last few years for developing commercial dairy practice in Malda district. It has encouraged a good number of farmers to go for modern dairy through small scale. There are few small dairy farmers in the area. It has inspired farmers to set up home based micro dairy farms, It has arranged trainings for the farmers on shading, feed management and breed selection. This years the organization has introduced Hybrid Napier grass as green feed for dairy. It has distributed Napier seeds or cuttings to the farmers and helped them to cultivate that under regular monitoring the Napier grew and feed to the cows. The farmers are happy to feed Napier. The number of Napier users are growing day by day the farmers have got the confidence to feed Napier grass for better out Puts.
Demonstration on Silage-
Silage plays a crucial role in dairy development programs by providing a reliable and nutritious feed option for livestock. Unlike green fodder, which cannot be stored for long periods, silage can be preserved and used throughout the year without significant loss of its nutritional value. This characteristic makes silage an ideal solution for farmers, allowing them to maintain a consistent supply of feed regardless of seasonal fluctuations. As a result, organizations promoting dairy and goat farming have increasingly introduced silage production techniques to enhance livestock health and productivity. This sustainable practice ultimately supports farmers’ livelihoods and improves the overall efficiency of dairy operations.