Survey launched to help farmers tackle climate change

An agricultural training needs assessment survey has been launched across the State as part of KERA (Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation), a project implemented by the Agriculture department to enable farmers to survive climate change.

The survey aims to assess farmers’ awareness about current farming practices, innovative and climate change-resistant technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, precision farming, and drone technology as well as their training needs related to agriculture, according to a release.

The survey will also examine their interest in using innovative agricultural techniques. Based on the information gathered, necessary expert training programmes for farmers will be prepared.

Data collection for the survey is being done in two ways. Survey representatives will visit select agricultural houses in the State and talk to farmers and collect information. Farmers in other areas who have not been directly reached have also been provided with the facility to participate in the survey online.

As part of the training, farmers will also get the opportunity to visit places within and outside the State and other countries where climate-resilient farming methods and innovative agricultural models have been successfully implemented. The survey is being organised to design training programmes in a way that is most beneficial to farmers. Call 85899-96464 for details, the release said.