Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers

Soil sample collection and interpretation of results is the subject of many farmer meetings held in different villages of the country. Educating farmers about soil sample collection and interpreting the analysis reports enables dissemination of accurate technical information up to the grass root level. Wide publicity to this kind of programmes is given through radio, newspapers and television.

These are normally organised on the fields of the farmers.

• Demonstrations are conducted during soil sample collection or fertiliser application.
• Subjects related to agriculture such as soil testing, balanced use of fertilizers, importance of RCF products and their benefits, methods of application, crop protection etc. are discussed followed by question-answer session.
• Crop and product literature is distributed to the farmers for reference while carrying out different operations in the field.
• Banners, exhibition stalls are displayed at the venue.
• Agricultural officers, scientists, government officers from village panchayat, panchayat samiti, Zilla parishad, Agriculture department, Agricultural universities participate and guide farmers.

Printing of invitation card prior to the programme is done and distributed in the village and surrounding villages. Refreshments are given to participating farmers. Normally 50–70 farmers attend this kind of agricultural programs..

In addition to the basic soil testing, micro nutrient analysis is also becoming increasingly important, especially since many soils in India are found to be deficient in one or more of the micro nutrients. Availability of micronutrients in the right proportion in the soil ensures higher productivity of farming. RCF's Trombay laboratory is engaged in the analysis of micronutrients. This analysis is done at a nominal rate of ₹80/- per sample.

In addition to sharing knowledge with farmers, RCF also imparts training to its dealers. RCF recognises that the dealer is a very important part of the knowledge chain and it is the dealer towards whom the farmer looks at for any advice on agriculture related problems. RCF's dealer network is widespread and local level training programmes about the various products of the Company, their appropriate use with the other agro-inputs are regularly organised. The programmes also cover government policies They act as forums to inform the dealer about future products and marketing alliances of the Company.

RCF has designed a scheme called "Earn while you learn". It allows the students to get an insight into working of organisations and get a feel of corporate culture. Under this scheme, students from BSc (Agriculture) courses are selected to undertake various promotional activities as part of their vocational training. Appropriate stipend is paid to them which helps them to supplement their family income.

The Department of Agriculture has started implementing "Farm Field Schools" in Maharashtra by involving groups of 30 farmers with a group leader called Sanchalak who monitors the agricultural activities being carried out in the farm field schools. RCF participated in 15 Farm Field Schools in Jalna district. Cotton is main cash crop of the farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada region and American ballworm is a major pest which damages the Cotton crop. Hence, Integrated Pest Management in Cotton was a subject matter chosen for the Farm Field School. The demonstration of Sujala was organised in all the 15 farm field schools. 450 farmers benefited from this scheme.

Rural sports are organised at village/block level with the educational institutes and different sport organisations. This intends to encourage children from rural backgrounds to participate in sports.

These are organised with the help of animal husbandry department of the state in areas where appropriate veterinary facilities are not available. Free medicine is distributed and complete health check-up of animals is conducted.

The company also organises medical camps in backward/tribal areas of the state. These camps are organised with the help of state governments' health department, voluntary organisations, NGOs, Lions and Rotary club. Medicines are distributed free of cost.

Small farmers depending on rain water are the worst hit during a drought. RCF promoted the concept of Vanrai Bandhara and well recharging and launched a huge drive to disseminate this knowledge to farmers. In addition, used empty bags of fertiliser required to construct the Vanrai Bandharas are supplied free of cost through different government agencies.

During Krishi Melas in backward and very low fertiliser consuming areas, RCF's products in smaller packing are distributed to the participating farmers to encourage them to use right types of fertilizers.

Training is imparted to NSS students from various colleges of Maharashtra.also it gives training to various engineering college students. [2]