STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu conducted an interaction meeting under the patronage of Dr. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu with Deputy Director General (DDG), Agricultural Extension, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. U. S. Gautam, who visited SKUAST-Jammu on Monday.
Dr. Gautam, in his address, assured farmers of ICAR’s continuous support towards their development.
He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Centrally Sponsored Schemes among farmers to ensure they derive maximum benefits.
Dr. Gautam advocated for the transition of agriculture into a business enterprise to optimize returns, while also highlighting the crucial role of women in agriculture.
Dr. Puranjan Das, Former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) at ICAR, emphasized the significance of group formation, adopting a cluster approach, and certifying organic produce at the FPO level to enhance farmer welfare.
Director Atari Zone I, Dr. Parvinder Sheoran emphasized the necessity of focusing on profitability enhancement, promoting agribusiness enterprises, and implementing traceability concepts within KVKs.
Director Extension, SKUST-Jammu, Dr. Amrish Vaid commended KVK Jammu for its efforts in uplifting farmers in the region and congratulated them on receiving the Best KVK award in the North Zone.
Earlier, Dr Punit Choudhary, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK, Jammu and team welcomed Chief Guest and other dignitaries and gave a brief overview about KVK activities. Balraj Singh, Dy. Secy, ICAR, DARE was also present on the occasion. Balbir Kour, Kisan Board Member and Progressive Farm women from border village of Treva also put her views during the meeting.
District Development Committee Members, members of Kisan Advisory Board, J&K, Ex-Sarpanchs and Panchs, awardees and progressive farmers of Jammu district, Board of Directors of FPO and scientists from the Directorate of Extension participated in the interaction.
Dr. Ravneet Kour, Dr. Sheetal Badyal, Dr. Prem Kumar, Dr. Muneeshwar Sharma, Dr. Amitesh, Dr. Raju Gupta, Satbir Singh and Sahil Talgotra helped in the smooth conduct of the programme.
An exhibition by FPO Basmati, FPO Mushroom, Organic Vegetable production by vegetable growers and IFFCO, Jammu was also organized on the occasion.
Fish fingerlings and a calendar depicting various activities of KVK, Jammu were also released on the occasion. The programme concluded with appreciation remarks by DDG, Agricultural extension.