Urban meets Rural!

ISRO facilitated Video conferencing between ICRISAT and AMS for DD national video recording program on 11^th July, 2008. The VC started at 11 am on 11^th July, 2008. The concept of Drought vulnerability maps was explained to the farmers of AMS by Ms. Priyanka. Farmers were encouraged to speak about the prevailing drought conditions and the measures they are undertaking to combat drought. Ms. Supriya explained the Vermicomposting procedure to the farmers.


Participants discussed the growing concern for issues relating to `drought', `climatic change' and `global warming'. It was felt that drought is not just the problem of farmers any more and that even urban people have to pay a price for it. Farmers are suggested to take up non-farm income-generation activities in order to supplement their income during the periods of crop-failure as well as to invest in infrastructural facilities like drip-irrigation. Urban people need to be encouraged to buy these products to support the cause.

The session went on well particularly because of the interactive elements included. Farmers solved the Think-out-side the box puzzle! The puzzle itself was introduced slowly building suspense and was first given in a more familar Rangoli (a pattern drawn on the floor/ground comnnecting dots) format. However, they couldn't recognize Mickey mouse - world's most recognized symbol. Probably the younger generation would have recognized it.