Pisangan GVK/VK

Mobile kiosk rally for popularization of science

In connection with popularization of the science among rural masses in villages, an innovative approach was initiated. A mobile van converted into Kiosk was used for this purpose. This rally passed through various villages. The van carried different equipments, films etc.

The major attraction of this rally was film exhibition, science quizzes, performing various experiments and question answer session. Films related to the history of computer, television, solar energy, irrigation technology, electrical energy were shown.

Table : 10 Details of Participants in Mobile kiosk rallies

Exposure visits

• A group of 22 adolescents visited Barefoot College Tilonia and took part in the proceedings of Bal Sansad on 8th November. Afterwards, they visited various departments of Tilonia and made observations by seeing kabad se jugad, puppetry, the solar energy department etc. Seeing solar cooker, solar energy producing panels, computer operated by solar energy overwhelmed them.

• The Gyan Vigyan Kendra make an assessment of damage occurred to the farmers due to not knowing about soil examination. Participatory field demonstration was carried out in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra Tabiji, Ajmer on 29th Nov. The intervention focused on capacity development of adolescents, by making an understanding on texture of soil types and nutrient elements, present in it.

In order to enhance the awareness among the adolescent, an interactive discussion went on efficient utilization of soil. The main question discussed was: How do we maximize soil utilization? Under this one-day training programme at KVK, Tabiji, many other skills (chemical treatment of soil, importance of pH, N.P.K.) and methodologies of collection of soil samples were covered by scientists of KVK.

Exhibition

On 14 November, 2006 an exhibition was organized at GVK to commemorate the birthday of late prime minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. The important feature of this exhibition was participation of adolescents associated with Ikhvelo, Gyan Vigyan Kendra and Vigyan Kendras along with local school students. Out of 233 participants who visited this exhibition were 103 males and 130 females. Various equipments like wind mill, rain gauge, models, charts, human torso were displayed. Experiments related to breaking the myths and superstitions were also performed to make the understanding of adolescents.

Workshop & Training

 In Pisangan block trainings & workshops were mainly focused on soil, its fertility and management, water, plantation, etc. The basic idea was to provide a platform to the farmers and adolescents associated with Doosra Dashak to conduct various experiments on their own which could be helpful in improving the crop yield.

 To understand the multi dimensional nature of soil, GVK Pisangan organized a workshop for one day with experts from KVK Tabiji, Ajmer. In this workshop 42-45 farmers and 30 adolescents took part in the discussions. Experiment for EC & pH were conducted on samples taken by farmers from different fields.

 As a follow up activity two day workshop was again organized on 23-24th December 2006, for soil and water testing. In this process, various physical tests concerned with water color, taste, smell were performed. Adolescents also tried to detect hardness, fluoride, bacteria etc. in water.

 To develop better understanding on the subject of soil and crop cultivation, on 28-29 February 2007 a collaborative work with KVK was started in three villages. On the basis of experiments carried on by the adolescents and scientists, it was suggested to cultivate different crops like sorghum, moong, gwar, cumin and peanut in their fields according to soil conditions. It concluded with following recommendations :

• utilization of bio-fertilizer
• intensive training of farmers
• subsidized loan from agriculture department
• understanding about crop cycle

 Agro forestry programme is an important component of the farming system It is essential for the development of natural resources in cluster villages. For this purpose, KVK arranged a training to emphasize the role of plantation and creating awareness about their benefits, but also on developing skills to grow nurseries of different type of plants. Participants learned the art of grafting, budding, cutting, producing compost and its utility.

Group Discussion

On various occasions GVK/VK organized group activities to encourage the school students as well as adolescents for enhancing the expression and understanding of various science subjects. During these sessions a number of issues ranging from malaria, sanitation, insects, animal husbandry, water conservation, astronomical studies were raised.