Radio is the first source of information for farmers and they are following the new scientific technology methods of cultivation advocated in the Farm broadcasts and are able to achieve success in their farming operations. Farm & Home broadcast is a good example of unpretentious mass media programmes that are useful sans frills, it is specific and tailor made for the farmers in earmarked areas.
Farm & Home section of ALL INDIA RADIO Chennai has commenced a 52 week serial sponsorship programme from 5th June 2016 on ‘PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAYEE YOJANA’ – ‘PMKSY’ - MORE CROP PER DROP. The main goal of this programme is sustainable management of all water resources and protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in our state to produce more crops per drop and Promotion of the bio industrial water shed paradigm. This programme is Conceptualised, designed and developed in an innovative and attractive manner by the liberal use of the rural dialect which immediately establishes rapport with the farmers. Skits and success stories of individuals with various formats will also drive home the possibility of making a fresh beginning for the rural populace through the Governmental schemes. The farmers are hearing them on our radio and the technical information and schemes given spread like wild fire. I have fetched a revenue of Rs. 2,47,000/- (Two lakhs Forty seven thousand only) for this 52 week serial sponsorship programme on “Har Khet Ko Pani”. This programme will be aired once in a week on Sunday between 7.30 to 8pm in our Veedum vayalum programme on Chennai ‘A’ which would be heared over 416.7meter (720 kHz) frequency. Scientists and experts from these fields will be invited to participate in this programme. The Micro phone roams around in rural areas and agricultural fields. This is a significant step in ensuring the sustenance of interest in water harvesting, Holistic water shed programme, Integrated water management, precision irrigation, Convergence of investments in Irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation and other water saving scientific technologies. This programme brings about a collective and cohesive change in the lives of rural population by enhancing their quality of life.
Another important programme being broadcast on Tuesdays at 7.30pm on Chennai ‘A’ with a 30 minutes capsule on state Extension programmes for Extension reforms scheme –Agriculture Technology Management Agency – ATMA – in co ordination with the department of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu. The primary idea behind this serial sponsorship programme is to create awareness among the farmers through the catalytic technologies about soil health card, Organic farming, crop insurance, Integrated approach in transfer of technology in ATMA, Judicious use of neem coated Urea, establishment of farm schools in the fields, exposure visits, interaction between farmers & scientists, Commodity oriented farmers Interests Groups, Current market information and marketing strategies through eplatform etc., Field based programmes, success stories and spot field interviews will also be included in each episode of this 52 week serial sponsorship programme. Farmer’s interactions are also set up to understand the real field situation which encourage the young farmers to adopt innovative practices in farming. I am taking this special responsibility for earning an additional revenue of Rs. 2,47,000/- (Two lakhs Forty seven thousand only) for this 52 week serial sponsorship programme in our Primary channel. This programme will provide a road map for the future, a pathway to help the farmers and bring happiness in rural areas.
This broadcast of serial sponsorship programme opens a new chapter in taking the Scientific and technological aspects in PMKSY & ATMA quickly and clearly to the farming community of the rural areas which in turn will give rise to a tremendous increases in food production, doubling the income, and improvement of living standards especially for the feeders of the Nation. These accomplishments have been possible through the dedicated efforts taken by me with the outstanding direction and encouragement of Shri. V. Chakravarthy, Programme Head of ALL INDIA RADIO, Chennai.
Contributed by – Shri. R. Rajagopal, PEX, AIR Chennai – 600004. farmradiochennai@gmail.com