Vol. 8, Special Issue 7, Part K (2024)

Abstract: The study reveals that limited access to resources and infrastructure, lack of knowledge and skills, high upfront costs, limited market access, climate change and weather variability, and social and cultural barriers are the major challenges and constraints faced by tribal farmers in adopting horticultural practices. This strategy is cantered on improving the relationship between farmers and scientists while also advancing knowledge and incorporating technology into their working circumstances under the Farmer FIRST Programme. This project's approach is unique in that it provides a forum for scientists of all disciplines to regularly engage with the rural farm environment. This allows them to gather insightful feedback on issues, opportunities, and the state of horticultural based technology at the local level and develop technology modules that are appropriate for a variety of farm scenarios. The project's focus was on farmers' farms, resources, innovations, research, and technology. Technology integration modules are specifically designed to serve the needs of smallholders, landless farmers and farm women of tribal area. The Farmer FIRST initiative is operating effectively and farmers are responding well to it. Farmers were benefited from the different horticulture based interventions under this programme. The main response to the horticulture-based modules that were used as an intervention was a rise in the yield of fruits, vegetables, and spices. The performance and economic indicators directly shown in results contributed to increase the income and livelihood security of tribal farmers of Chhattisgarh.