RAIPUR: Farmers across 20 districts in Chhattisgarh are being empowered with scientific tools to enhance agricultural productivity and livestock management.

The Foldscope, an affordable and portable microscope, is being distributed in collaboration with the National Institute of Biological Stress Management. The initiative, implemented by ICAR - National Biological Stress Management Institute, spans over 30 villages in districts such as Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Raipur, and Bastar.

Developed by Indian-American scientist Professor Manu Prakash and his team at Stanford University, the Foldscope was launched in 2014 and has become a key tool for education, research, and diagnostics.

Farmers are using it to detect pests, diagnose crop diseases, test soil and water quality, and identify fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf blight. Remarkably, 16 fungal pathogens, including Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Erysiphe polygoni, have been identified using this microscope.

In animal husbandry, the Foldscope has revolutionized cattle breeding by enabling semen quality assessment for artificial insemination. It has improved pregnancy rates and enhanced the grading of native cattle breeds. Additionally, the device has facilitated the testing of organic pesticides and bio-agents, promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing chemical dependency.

Professor Prakash’s vision for Foldscope arose from observing the challenges faced by farmers due to the lack of scientific equipment. By providing a cost-effective, durable solution tailored for rural areas, Foldscope has simplified agriculture and livestock management for Chhattisgarh’s farmers. The initiative not only reduces farming costs but also increases farmers' income by improving crop quality and livestock productivity, making it a milestone in the state’s journey toward scientific farming.