19th September 2024, Umiam
As a significant milestone in advancing agricultural innovations in the North Eastern states, the annual zonal workshop of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendras under the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri N. Indrasena Reddy, Governor of Tripura, today at the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura.
Shri Reddy lauded the ICAR and Central Agricultural University (CAU) for their pioneering role in agricultural technology transfer. He urged for an effective collaboration between the KVKs, research organizations and the State Agriculture Departments for devising innovative solutions to the challenges confronted by small landholders in the region. He further added that the workshop would address various critical issues pertinent to the agricultural development of the region and youth employment in agriculture.
The Guest of Honour Dr H. Rahman, Former Deputy Director General (Animal Science), called for further strengthening KVKs’ efforts in livestock development, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting sustainable livestock farming practices, ultimately contributing to the region’s agricultural resilience and economic growth.
Dr U. S. Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, stressed the ambitious roadmap for the development of KVKs. He emphasized the future of agricultural innovation, highlighting the key strategies to transform KVKs into hubs of excellence, enhancing the intellectual property portfolio of KVKs. The workshop aims to increase patents, copyrights, and geographical indications linked to indigenous agricultural technologies and practices, he added.
Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, accentuated the pivotal role of the College of Fisheries in fostering sustainable fisheries in Northeast India and stressed the importance of networking between KVKs and the College to enhance eco-friendly fish farming practices to boost fish production and integrate sustainable aquaculture in the agricultural framework of North eastern region. He highlighted that the workshop will also help in supporting the rural farmers and ensure environmental sustainability.
Dr R.R. Burman, Assistant Director General (AE) ICAR, emphasized the integration of digital agriculture platforms like Kisan Sarathi, KVK Portal and effective use of ‘Common Service Centres’ for disseminating agricultural knowledge. He also stressed on KVKs’ role for partnership development with private sector, production of quality seeds and planting materials, practicing regenerative agriculture, precision farming, carbon farming and agriprenureship development.
Dr M. M. Adhikary, Former Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, accentuated the importance of KVKs in leading India’s agricultural sector through knowledge sharing, fostering partnerships and shaping strategies in ensuring sustainable and resilient agricultural growth in the region.
Dr P. Chakraborty, Former Member, ASRB, and Assistant Director General (PP), ICAR, stated that the workshop serves as an ideal platform to prepare a road map for boosting agricultural productivity and supporting country’s long-term food and nutrition goals.
Earlier, Dr A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, Umiam Meghalaya, in his welcome address, briefed about the importance of KVK in technology transfer protocol of National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System (NAREES) and underscored the event’s diverse agenda, featuring Stakeholders’ Interfaces, Agri-Industry/FPO Meets, and a showcase of cutting-edge agricultural technologies with a key focus on PPV&FRA Workshop, which emphasizes conserving traditional germplasm and protecting farmers’ rights, crucial to preserving the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Prof. Arun Bhai Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries, CAU Lembucherra, extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants.
The Chief Guest for the valedictory session, Shri Jitendra Majumdar, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kakraban-Shalgara Constituency, Tripura, lauded the role of KVKs for transforming the agriculture sector of north-eastern region. He urged formation of farmers’ club at grass-roots level for efficient technology transfer and capacity building of farmers.
The three-day event convened 43 KVKs from Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, alongside stakeholders such as renowned scientists, policymakers, educators, state extension professionals, agro-industries, FPOs, startups, and progressive farmers. The event aimed to exchange insights on northeastern hill agriculture and provide KVKs with technological solutions for sustainable development. Activities included a Stakeholders’ Interface, an Agri-Industry/FPO Meet, a technology exhibition, and a PPV&FRA workshop, along with discussions on KVK accomplishments.
In a symbolic gesture for ‘Ek Ped Ma ke Nam”, Shri Reddy, along with other dignitaries, planted saplings in the college premises, followed by the inauguration of exhibition-cum-technology showcase and visit to scientific facilities developed at College of Fisheries, Tripura, including Pabda Hatchery, Referral Museum, Barcode Museum, Molecular Biology Laboratory, etc.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya)
