TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 30, 2024: Chhattisgarh’s agriculture sector has been witnessing a transformation with the introduction of Foldscope, an innovative portable microscope that is helping farmers across the state diagnose plant diseases, assess soil quality, and improve livestock management. This initiative, launched under the special guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, is making farming more advanced, scientific, and profitable for the state’s predominantly agriculture-based population.
The Chhattisgarh government, in collaboration with the National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, has distributed Foldscopes to farmers in 20 districts, including Raigarh, Raipur, Dhamtari, Bastar, and others. This initiative, spread across more than 30 villages, empowers farmers with the tools they need to manage pests, detect plant diseases, and enhance animal husbandry practices.
Developed by Indian-American scientist Professor Manu Prakash and his team at Stanford University, Foldscope is an affordable and highly portable microscope designed specifically for use in remote areas. Launched in 2014, this device has been used globally for educational, research, and diagnostic purposes. In Chhattisgarh, farmers are now using Foldscopes to identify common plant diseases like powdery mildew, leaf blight, and post-harvest diseases. To date, 16 types of fungal diseases, including pathogens like *Golovinomyces cichoracearum* and *Erysiphe polygoni*, have been detected using the device.
In addition to its agricultural benefits, Foldscope is also proving invaluable in animal husbandry. Farmers are using it to assess the quality of semen for artificial insemination, improving conception rates and the grading of indigenous cattle breeds.
The device has also been employed to test organic pesticides and bioagents, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and promoting eco-friendly farming practices. This aligns with the state’s broader vision of sustainable agriculture and improving the economic well-being of farmers.
Professor Prakash, who developed Foldscope, was inspired by the challenges farmers face due to the lack of accessible scientific tools. He envisioned a low-cost, durable device that could meet the needs of farmers in rural areas. With its successful implementation in Chhattisgarh, Foldscope is not only making farming more cost-effective but is also enhancing crop yield and livestock health, contributing to increased income for farmers.
The initiative is part of Chhattisgarh’s ongoing efforts to advance agriculture and animal husbandry through innovative technologies, helping farmers harness scientific knowledge to improve productivity and sustainability.
