SRINAGAR: A Workshop cum felicitation programme was held under the Chairmanship of Prof. J.P.Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-J&K. All the Directors, Deans,& University Officers, KVK Heads of Kashmir and Ladakh and scientific staff attended the felicitation programme at NundReshi Convention Centre in Shalimar campus on July 28, 2021.
Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-J&K congratulated the awardee Heads of KVKs for their work and declared their achievement as historic milestone in disseminating the technology to farmer’s door steps by the respective Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He informed the House that University is recognised by the progress of farmers and their success stories. KVKs have to produce 100 success stories and these successes should be replicate in the various districts. Prof. Sharma appreciated the extension activities done by KVKs of Ladakh region in adverse climatic conditions of the areas especially the low-cost mushroom production technology of KVK Leh enrolled for Patent.
We can utilize the nature’s gift easily available in the Valley i.e. medicinal & aromatic plants for doubling of farmer’s income. Big revenue can be generated from intercropping of saffron and Kala-zeera. High Density plantation of Apple can provide 5 folds of income for which NAFED is providing subsidy to promote High Density Apple. There is urgent need to promote post-harvest management including packaging and marketing of Agri-produce against after harvest losses and to increase the share-benefit of the farmers.He stressed for establishment of modernized & fully equipped packaging centre to be established in the university to facilitate training of farmers /youth under Directorate of Extension for enhancing the shelf life and improving the marketability of the produce. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor dsired that farmers may use Air–Cargo with reduced rate for sale of agri.-products to different states of country including Gulf countries for which Govt. has already signed a MoU with Go-Air.He lauded the efforts of Directorate and KVKs for conducting equine clinical camps at far off places and promised to provide an X-rays unit for animals in the KVK system to help the scientist to redress the problems of farmers related to animal health.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi Director Extension in his address stressed upon seeking the knowledge and putting the same in to practice for the upliftment of farming community. He congratulated all the KVKs for their outstanding performance at Zonal and National level and bringing laurels to the University and advised to keep the spirit high in favour of farmers’ of the Valley. He also assured constant support to all the KVKs and wished them success and future endeavours as well.
During the felicitation programme, a Memento and Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor to all the KVKs of Kashmir and Ladakhfor their excellent performance. Team of Directorate of Extension under the supervision of Prof. Dil MohammadMakhdoomi was also provided an Award of Excellence for roping all KVKs and working in unison. The service rendered by team “KrishiDarsahan” of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar were appreciated and was awarded for their untiring services for the benefit of farmers.
Dr.AmalSaxena, Associate Director Extension (KVKs) gave an overview through power point presentation about the working of the KVKs of SKUAST-Kashmir and Ladakh.