A four-day training for 50 NHG members to create innovative change with drones in Kerala's agriculture sector has been completed. The training was jointly organized by Kudumbashree and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR - CTCRI) based at Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram. The training started on 13 May 2024 came to an end on 16 May 2024.  Dr. Suja G, Director in Charge, CTCRI, distributed the Certificates and Drone Operating Manuals to those who successfully completed the training programme. 

The training was given on 'Smart Agriculture Concept' under the guidance of experts from ICAR - CTCRI and FACT. The training was given on many subjects like Smart Farming, Agri Drone Operation (Hardware, Servicing), Drone Simulator, Drone Flying, Drone Design, Technical Aspects, Operational Guidelines for Use, Personal Safety to be followed when using Drones, Environmental Considerations, Pesticide Use, Maintenance Safety Measures. Apart from their own farms, these drone pilots also have the opportunity to earn income by doing agricultural work on other people's farms using drones. District level trainings will also be organized later.
    
Dr. V.S. Santosh Mitra, Principal Scientist, ICAR - CTCRI who welcomed the gathering at the closing ceremony conducted the training review as well. Dr. S. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Farm Livelihood, Kudumbashree delivered the felicitation. Dr. Sheela Emmanuel, Principal Scientist, ICAR - CTCRI delivered the vote of thanks. After the first national level training organized in Chennai, the Kudumbashree drone pilots are determined to enter the field using the confidence gained through this training they received in their mother tongue in their own place.

Oorulsavam (Hamlet Festival) was organized at Attappady in connection with the 'Ennidam' programme, which provides an artistic, cultural and social space for NHG members at the ADS level. The Oorulsavam (Hamlet Festival) was organized at Anavai hamlet of Kurumba region under Attappady Tribal Comprehensive Development Project implemented by Kudumbashree on 9 May 2024. It is aimed to start the programme in the name 'Nammthade' in all the towns after the state-level inauguration of 'Ennidam' on 17 May 2024.

As part of the Oorulsavam, the residents of hamlet took part in a variety of day-long events like sports competitions, awareness classes and art performances. 'Malinya Muktha Ooru Mazhayethum Munne' Hamlet level Sanitation Campaign was also started as part of the programme. Members of Kurumba Panchayat Samiti, Shri. B.S. Manoj, Assistant Programme Officer, Programme Co-ordinators, Youth Co-ordinators, Animators and Snehitha officials were part of the programme.

The fruit tree campaign of Kudumbashree Gender Resource Centres in Ernakulam district is in progress. As part of the campaign Kudumbashree CDS. As part of the campaign, the CDS Office Bearers and Community Counselors have been focusing on planting fruit trees at Gender Resource Centers (GRCs) and protect them by fencing them. It displays the details and phone number of the Snehitha Gender Help Desk and GRC in the district. 

So far, fruit tree saplings have been planted in 95 CDSs as part of the Campaign. Apart from this, a programme of planting and maintaining fruit trees locally under the leadership of Vigilant Group members at 1833 ward levels and 27,000 Gender Point Persons at NHG level is also in progress as part of the campaign.

The Organizing Committee of Arangu 2024,the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree members and Auxiliary Group members to be hosted by Kasaragod district on 7 to 9 June 2024 has been formed. An executive committee and 13 sub-committees were formed in a meeting organized at Kalikkadav Karakkakav Auditorium in Pilikode Grama Panchayat on 13 May 2024. The Arts Festival will be held at eight venues in Pilikode Panchayat.

Shri. M. Rajagopalan, MLA Thrikaripur Constituency is the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Shri. Jafar Malik IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree is the General Convener and Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission is the Convener of the Executive Committee. 

The organizing committee meeting was inaugurated by Shri. M. Rajagopalan, MLA Thrikaripur Constituency. Shri. Madhavan Maniyara. President, Neeleshwaram Block Panchayath presided over the function. Shri. T.T Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission welcomed the gathering. Shri. C.C. Nishad, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree explained about the Arangu Arts Festival. 

Shri. P Karunakaran, Former MP, Shri. M. Manu, Member, District Panchayath Standing Committee, Ms. Prasanna Kumari, President, Pilikode Grama Panchayath, Shri. V.P.P Mustafa, Block Panchayath members, Gram Panchayat Presidents, Vice Presidents, Head of Police Department, Shri. Prabhakaran M, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree, Shri. Kunji Krishnan, Cine Actor, various social and cultural leaders, representatives of youth organizations, Kudumbashree CDS chairpersons of the district and others participated in the meeting. Shri. D. Haridas, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission introduced the panel of various committees. Shri. C.H. Iqbal, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

A four-day agricultural drone training programme jointly organized by Kudumbashree, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Central Tuber Crops Research Institute was started at Millennium Hall, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram on 13 May 2024. Ms. Bindu K.S, Director (A&F), Kudumbashree inaugurated the programme. Dr. G Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI presided over the function. He also interacted with Kudumbashree farmers.

The Drone Operating Manual translated to Malayalam by ICAR-CTCRI was released by Dr. G Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI by giving the same to Ms. Bindu K.S, Director (A&F), Kudumbashree during the function. Dr. V.S Santhosh Mithra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI talked on 'Introduction to Smart Farming'. 

The training topics include Introduction to Agri Drone: Hardware, Servicing etc, Familiarizing with Drone simulator, Familiarizing with Drone Flying, Familiarizing with Agri Drones. The main objective of the training programme is to achieve significant progress in the agricultural sector by utilizing new technology and thereby achieve economic empowerment. 50 Kudumbashree women will be given four days agricultural drone training. Field level training is imparted to the farmers to introduce them to the concept of 'Smart Agriculture' which provides better employment and income enhancement to the common women farmers. Drones have already been made available to all 50 participants in the training. 

The first day training provided a better understanding of the drone's architecture, technical aspects and operational guidelines for use. Field level training on smart farming, agri drone hardware, maintenance and servicing, drone simulator, trial drone flying and hands on agri drone flying led by experts from ICAR-CTCRI and FACT  will be given in the following days.  Awareness will also be given on personal safety, environmental considerations, use of pesticides and maintenance safety measures etc. while using drones.

The four-day training programme will provide Kudumbashree farmers with an excellent opportunity to learn and apply innovative technologies that operate agricultural drones. It will also help to learn how to effectively plant seeds, monitor crop growth at regular intervals, and apply pesticides and liquid fertilizers in a short period of time using drones. There is also an opportunity for the women farmers to discuss their queries with the subject experts in the field of science and technology during the training.

By using drones, farmers can also save time and reduce physical labour by being able to perform arduous tasks related to agriculture in a short period of time. The training will also help the farmers to earn more income by doing agricultural work through drones in their own farms as well as in the farms of other farmers. It is also possible to modernize the agricultural sector by increasing the employability and efficiency of women. It is expected that more women farmers may enter this field as better productivity, employment opportunities and income can be achieved in the field of agriculture. It is also hoped that the technical and practical knowledge acquired through the training will help the farmers to find better livelihoods in agriculture and allied sectors. Kudumbashree will be organizing several training programs this year in the areas of innovative agriculture, agribusiness and allied enterprises. The drone training programme is the beginning of this.

Officials in charge of Farm Livelihood Project at the state level and District Programme Managers in charge at the district level are participating in the training programme. The training will come to an end on 16 May 2024.

Dr. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Farm Livelihoods, Kudumbashree Mission & Shri. B Sivachandran, Zonal Manager, FACT delivered the felicitation address. Agri Drones: Experience of FACT was explained by Shri. B Sivachandran. Dr. Sheela Immanuel, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI welcomed the gathering and Dr. V.S Santhosh Mithra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI delivered the vote of thanks.

'Arangu 2024,' the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree NHG and Auxiliary Group members will be organized in Kasaragod district during next month. The Arts Festival will be held at eight venues in Pilikode Panchayat on 7-8 June 2024. A discussion meeting was held yesterday at the Cheruvathoor gram panchayat hall on 8 May 2024.

Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. D. Haridas, Shri C.H. Iqbal, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. Nishad C, Kudumbashree State Programme Manager, Ms. Muneera K, Kudumbashree State Assistant Programme Manager, Ms. Ajeesha, Ms. Reji Thomas,  District Programme Managers, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission,  District Programme Managers, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission and  City Mission Managers attended the meeting.

The organizing committee meeting related to Arangu State Arts Festival will be held  at Kalikkadav Karakkakav Auditorium on 13 May 2024.

'Arangu 2024,' the State Arts Festival of Kudumbashree NHG and Auxiliary Group members will be organized in Kasaragod district during next month. The Arts Festival will be held at eight venues in Pilikode Panchayat on 7-8 June 2024. A discussion meeting was held yesterday at the Cheruvathoor gram panchayat hall on 8 May 2024.

Shri. T.T. Surendran, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. D. Haridas, Shri C. H. Iqbal, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission, Shri. Nishad C, Kudumbashree State Programme Manager, Ms. Muneera K, Kudumbashree State Assistant Programme Manager, Ms. Ajeesha, Ms. Reji Thomas, District Programme Managers, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, District Programme Managers, Kudumbashree Kasaragod District Mission and City Mission Managers attended the meeting.

The organizing committee meeting related to Arangu State Arts Festival will be held at Kalikkadav Karakkakav Auditorium on 13 May 2024.

Registrations have been opened for the Mind Blowers Campaign organized by Kudumbashree for Balasabha members with an aim to get the new generation in the mindset to imbibe innovative lessons of knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship. Students from class ninth to twelfth can register through the Google Form link http://surl.li/tlrje. 10 May 2024 is the last date.

The year-long campaign is being organized for 50,000 children in collaboration with Udyam Learning Foundation, which helps impart entrepreneurial and business leadership skills to the youth. At least 50 children from each gram panchayat will be identified and mentored to develop their ideas and implement them at the local level.

The 13 Kudumbashree Balasabha members got to know the cultural heritage and history of India by visiting the Indian Parliament, various historical monuments, educational institutions and museums in Delhi. These are the children selected from among Balasabha members who are part of the Bala Parliament activities organized in 2023.

The group of children started from Kerala on 23 April 2024 for a study visit to Delhi and Rajasthan and reached Delhi on 25 April 2024. Then they visited various places including Rashtrapati Bhavan and Qutab Minar. They also visited Jaipur in Rajasthan. The children will return to Kerala on 1 May 2024. This is the first time in history that Kudumbashree is organizing such a study trip outside the state for Balasabha members. Children interacted with the students and teachers of the institutes where innovative learning programmes were organized.

Ananya. C, Nivedya. K, Drishya. J (all three Kozhikode) and Abhinav. B (Agali, Palakkad), Sandeep S. Nair (Malappuram), Azmin. S (Alappuzha) Siva Nandan C.A, Nayana S. Nair (both Kollam), Atheena Ratheesh V.R (Alappuzha), Sooraja K.S (Kasaragod), Aryananda Anish, Rashmiya Ramesh (both Kannur) and Sreenandana V.S (Thrissur) were the Balasabha members who became part of the study trip. The Study Trip is led by the team of officials under the leadership of Dr. B. Sreejith, Programme Officer. 

Bala Parliament is an activity planned and implemented by Kudumbashree every year since 2007 to make children understand the importance and scope of the Indian democratic system. Now, there are now 31,612 Balasabhas formed by Kudumbashree in Kerala. 4,59,151 children in the age group of 5 to18 years of age are now members of these Balasabhas.

Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission set up Kudumbashree Marketing Stall at Pooram Exhibition of Thrissur Pooram. Kudumbashree's reliable products were made available to those coming to Thrissur Pooram this time. More than 200 products such as handicrafts, food products, spices, small grain dishes, toiletries, bags and textiles produced by more than 50 entrepreneurs of Thrissur district have been brought to the market. 

Dr. Kavitha A,  District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission inaugurated the Kudumbashree stall on 16 April 2024. Shri. Nirmal A.C, Shri. Prasad K.K, Shri Siju Kumar, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Ms. Sithara K.G, Shri. Shobhu Narayanan, Shri. Adarsh P Dayal, Shri. Vijayakrishnan R,  District Programme Managers, Livelihood Block Co-ordinators, MECs, Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and NHG members participated.

The Kudumbashree Ernakulam district team gave comfort to many in this heavy sun by setting up a water pandal. As part of the Food Nutrition Health and Wash -FNHW camp under the leadership of Gender Resource Centers in the district, water pandals were prepared in connection with Vishu marketing fairs.

Water pandal activities have been started at Kudumbashree Gender Resource Centers in CDSs of   Ilanji, Thirumaradi, Koothatukulam, Ramamangalam, Mulanthuruthy, Palakuzha, Rayamangalam, Ashamannur, Pallarimangalam, Kothamangalam, Paingotoor, Kuttampuzha, Koovappady, Pindimana, Kavalangad, Vazhakulam, Vengola, Aikaranad, Choornikara, Kizhakkambalam, Puthrika, Maradi, Chottanikkara, Karukutty, Mookannur, Payipra, Kochi South, Kadamakudy, Kuzhupilli, Pallipuram, Kumbalam, Kumbalangi, Chellanam, Amballur, Mulavukad, Cheranelloor, Kalamassery West, Kalamassery East, Varappuzha, Paravoor, Vaddakekara, Kunnathunad, Thiruvanankulam, Pampakkuda, Edakkattuvayal, Varappetty, Okkal, Vengoor, Edathala, Udayamperoor, Thrikkakara East, Thrikkakara West, Pothanikkad, Manjalloor, Kanjoor, Sreemoolanagaram, Angamaly, Manjapra, Moovatupuzha, Valakam, Piravam, Karumalur, Alangad, Kadungalloor, Eloor, Kochi West, Maradu West, Maradu East, Kalady, Nedumbassery, Chengamanad, Thuravoor, Kochi East, Mazhuvannur, Chittatukara and Chendamangalam. 

Programmes were organized under the leadership of CDS Governing Body, Community Counsellor, FNHW Resource Persons, Vigilant Group Members and Gender Point Persons.