More channels for farmers Ranchi, Aug. 26: Basking in the glory of Birsa Hariyali - the FM channel launched by Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) in March - the varsity has chalked out plans to start community radio stations in 21 districts of the state. "There are 21 krishi vigyan kendras (KVK) across the state. Of these 15 are run by BAU and the rest are operated by NGOs, BAU director R.P. Singh Ratan said. "We are holding talks with the agencies concerned to open the community radio stations in 21 districts of the state, which will be run by the KVKs," Ratan said. The objective, he said, is to ensure that farmers in all these districts are constantly updated on agricultural procedures, the latest farming technologicies and even made aware of climate changes and pest attacks. Currently, Birsa Hariyali conducts programmes for an hour in the afternoon (12pm to 1pm), targeting rural women and two hours in the evening (from 4pm to 6pm) for farmers. Opening a radio station, including the cost of equipment, requires a capital outlay of Rs 25 lakh. "We are in talks with bodies such as the Centre-run Agricultural Technology Management Agency for funds for this ambitious project . It goes without saying that the project will require huge investment," the BAU director said. Due to financial constraints, it won't be possible to set up radio stations at one go in the 21 districts, he said, adding that the channels would be started one by one.
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