KATHUA, OCTOBER 17: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kathua, under the administrative control of SKUAST-Jammu, today organised Rabi Kisan Mela in collaboration with IFFCO Jammu to familiarize farmers about latest agriculture techniques to increase production of Rabi Crops.
More than 500 farmers participated in the event including farm women besides former Sarpanches and Panches of the different panchayats of Hiranagar tehsil participated in the mela.
The mela was inaugurated by Dr B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, in the presence of Dr S K Gupta, Director Research; Dr Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu, S. Sukhpal Singh Sidhu, State Marketing Manager and Dr. Ramesh Verma General Manager, IFFCO, New Delhi, Satish Sharma, Joint Director (Extension), Department of Agriculture, Jammu and Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Kathua.
Dr B. N. Tripathi along with the dignitaries inspected different stalls of agriculture and allied sectors like Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries and KVK besides stalls of private players dealing with agriculture inputs, farm machinery and organic products were also installed during the event. The stalls displayed and highlighted various farmers’ welfare schemes and programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr B. N. Tripathi emphasized upon the role of KVKs for bringing positive change in the lives of farmers through technological interventions in the field of agriculture. He stressed upon the adoption of integrated and diversified farming systems for better returns under diverse agro-climatic zones. He suggested farmers to have sustained contact with KVK for advancement of their knowledge and skills.
He emphasized upon the role of women in development of agriculture. He highlighted the role of women for promoting diversification in agriculture through adoption of enterprises such as mushroom, beekeeping, vegetable, floriculture and value addition. He discussed the role of high-tech agriculture in enhancing the income from farming under a changing climate scenario.
Dr S K Gupta deliberated upon the recent farm technologies recommended by the University. He discussed the research initiatives in various fields and suggested farmers to harness benefits by adopting high yielding varieties recommended by the University. While emphasizing upon the role of Kisan melas for farmers, he discussed innovative schemes offered by the department for enhancing farmers’ income.
Dr Amrish Vaid discussed the role of the extension system of the University in providing an efficient seed production programme of the University. He suggested undertaking proactive steps for skill development of farmers.
Earlier, Dr Vishal Mahajan, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Kathua, discussed various programmes being organized by KVK Kathua for the benefit of farmers.
S. Sukhpal Singh Sidhu discussed the initiatives taken by IFFCO for increasing agricultural production. He informed about the nano-fertilizers technology, especially Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP launched by IFFCO for increasing effectiveness of fertilization. Satish Sharma underlined the projects under HADP implemented by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. While emphasizing upon the role of Kisan melas for farmers, he discussed innovative schemes offered by the department for enhancing farmers’ income and stressed upon the need for engaging rural youths in agriculture for a sustainable and profitable future of farming.
During the mela, technical lectures were delivered by Vivek Verma on Nao fertilizers and its efficacy, Dr Vishal Sharma on production technology of rabi crops, Dr Anamika Jamwal on pre-seed treatment and Mushroom production technology, Dr Berjesh Ajrawat on crop insurance and new schemes launched by the Government and Dr. Gurdev Chand on vertical farming.
Queries of farmers were attended and suitable recommendations were made by experts.
An exhibition was also organized during the mela in which district departments, including Agriculture, Sheep Husbandry, Floriculture, Animal Husbandry etc and private agencies like IFFCO showcasing their products and technologies and schemes related to seed, chemicals, implements etc.
During the exhibition, CAO Sanjeev Rai apprised the VC that in a few years Kathua has taken the lead in Mushroom and Honey production. The main attraction of the mela was the Hydroponic unit which was demonstrated by the Division of Plant Physiology, SKUAST-J which is helpful for soil less culture and for exotic vegetables. Besides, women self help groups of agriculture also showcased products like pickles and canned vegetables.
Progressive farmers of the area appreciated the event and suggested that such events should also be organized in border areas for awareness of farmers regarding various schemes.
