Chennai, January 21,2018: MSSRF in collaboration with Acharya Ranga Agriculture University (ANGRAU) organised a workshop at ANGRAU, Guntur district during January 10-11, 2019, to promote Farming System for Nutrition (FSN) models in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to address the problem of malnutrition. The objective of the workshop was to train scientists from three selected districts, viz. Reddipalli KVK in Ananthapur district, Rastakuntubai KVK in Vizianagaram district and Undi KVK in West Godavari in setting up FSN demonstration models on their respective campuses and train farmers to adopt in their own fields.

FSN is a model that entails mainstreaming the nutrition dimension in the design of the farming system based on locally available crop and animal husbandry resources and extant farming practices. MSSRF was engaged in advocating the FSN approach in four states, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. It is currently engaged in promoting FSN approach in KVKs of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with support from the Tata Trusts.

Around 25 participants representing the three selected KVKs, Department of Extension and Regional Research Stations of ANGRAU attended the workshop.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.V Damodara Naidu, Vice-Chancellor, ANGRAU, Dr. N V Naidu, Director of Research, Dr. Rambabu, Director of Extension Dr. Uma Devi, Dean of Home Science, ANGRAU and Dr. Krishna Prasadji, Dean of Agriculture, ANGRAU were the other senior faculties who participated in the workshop.

The technical session commenced with an introduction to the concept of FSN, the steps in the FSN design. Information  about the nutrition and agriculture situation in the selected districts was given by Dr. R.V. Bhavani, Director i/c, Agriculture, Nutrition and Health, Dr.G.Anuradha and Dr.R.Gopinath from MSSRF.

Participants were then divided into three groups representing the 3 KVKs each and asked to develop an FSN model for the respective KVKs for the forthcoming Kharif season. Models were prepared by each group and presented for discussion. Dr. Karuna Sree, Programme Coordinator and Horticulture expert from Venkataramannagundam KVK, Dr.Suguna, Principal Scientist, Fishery expert from Undi KVK and Dr. Yugandar, Principal Scientist, Animal husbandry, KVK Lam, Guntur participated in the workshop and provided inputs to strengthen the FSN.

(Participants working in groups for preparing the FSN design)