VARANASI, June 10 -- Scientists at Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) here reached out to over 44,000 farmers from six districts of Uttar Pradesh as part of a Union ministry of agriculture campaign, said institute director Dr Rajesh Kumar. 'Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025' was held from May 29 to June 8. Addressing media persons here on Monday, Kumar said IIVR established a direct dialogue with these farmers during the campaign in which 18 expert teams of more than 50 scientists of IIVR took part in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra and the state agriculture department. The director said women participation in this campaign stood at 36%, which reflected the increasing role of women in the agricultural sector. Extensive technical training was given in 65 villages of 15 blocks through 54 Kisan Samvad programmes held every day. The director said key problems that stood out from the farmers' feedback include crop protection from wildlife, adverse effects of water shortage or excess on agriculture, outbreak of white fly and 'jassid', lack of market access for products, late supply of quality seeds and inadequate information about government schemes. htc...