Kisan Cluster Mela draws over 300 farmers; Himachal youth to get agriculture training opportunities in Japan
Solan, June 9: In a significant step towards strengthening India-Japan cooperation in agriculture, JICA-India Head Takeuchi Takuro inaugurated the India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm at the Vegetable Development Centre in Barati, Solan.
A Kisan Cluster Mela was also organized on the occasion, attracting participation from more than 300 farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups and agriculture stakeholders from Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts.
During the event, the infrastructure of three irrigation sub-projects developed under the Himachal Pradesh Fruit Diversification Project-II was formally handed over to the respective Farmers Development Associations.
The JICA-India delegation is currently on a three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh to review innovative initiatives being implemented in Solan, Palampur and Dharamshala under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project-II.
Speaking on the occasion, Takeuchi Takuro emphasized the need to further strengthen India-Japan collaboration in agriculture. He appreciated the project’s contribution towards increasing farmers’ incomes, promoting modern agricultural technologies and encouraging climate-resilient farming practices.
Project Director Dr. Sunil Chauhan announced an innovative initiative under the JICA-supported project through which young farmers from Himachal Pradesh will receive employment-oriented agricultural training opportunities in Japan. He said selected participants will first undergo training in the Japanese language, culture and work practices before being sent abroad. In the initial phase, around 150 youth are proposed to be trained.
A major attraction of the event was the inauguration of a high-tech polyhouse farming system established under the Himachal Smart Farming Project at the Barati farm. Developed through a blend of Japanese technology and Indian innovation, the facility is expected to play a key role in advancing protected cultivation and modern horticulture in the state.
The programme also featured a presentation on the concept of developing a Matcha Industry in India. The proposed initiative aims to promote the production and processing of premium green tea and matcha by utilizing the favourable climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in tea-growing regions such as Kangra.
The JICA delegation also held discussions with M-2-Labo, the organization responsible for setting up the high-tech polyhouse system. Agricultural scientists and experts visited the model farm and exhibition stalls showcasing advanced farming technologies, natural farming practices, value-added products and innovations by FPOs and self-help groups.
Progressive farmers and representatives of FPOs shared their success stories and experiences during the event. Outstanding contributors in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and community development were also honoured.
District Project Manager Dr. Rajendra Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for making the event a success.
Among those present were Deputy Project Director Dr. Rajesh Kumar, SPMU Subject Matter Experts Dr. Ashish Anand and Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Project Management Consultancy experts Sushil Kumar Sharma and Sudarshan Suryavanshi, Deputy Director Agriculture Dr. Dev Raj Kashyap, and other officials.
The JICA-India mission team included Senior Representative Sota Koide, Representative Taiko Iwamoto, and Development Specialist Nishtha Vengurlekar.
