Packaging, branding, marketing will be key towards socio-economic empowerment of farmers

JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary, today inaugurated one day exhibition-cum-demonstration of latest technologies, organized on the occasion of Kisan Diwas by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (KVK), SKUAST Jammu in collaboration with IFFCO Jammu.
The departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry besides other line units also extended their collaboration in conduct of this event which was attended by farmers, agriculture entrepreneurs, private companies, public representatives, line departments and other stakeholders.
This exhibition cum demonstration of latest technologies in the field of agriculture and allied sectors was organized with the motive to showcase newest methods that will not only help in boosting the overall production but will significantly improve socio economic status of the farming community of Jammu.
Navin Choudhary, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized upon the concerned officers for conducting regular seminars regarding skill up gradation training programmes in agricultural enterprises. He stressed that 50 per cent of research projects should be formulated on the basis of farmers problems and specific needs.
Principal Secretary stressed upon adopting several potential activities like mechanization in agriculture, diversification, cash crop cultivation, floriculture, premium vegetable, spices, medicinal plants and horticulture besides proper packaging for enhancing the income of farmers. He informed the gathering regarding Aloevera oil extraction plants at Kathua, Samba and Udhampur. He advocated cultivation of aloevera, lemon grass and other medicinal plants in rain fed areas besides high density plantation of orchards in plains of Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu, Professor J P Sharma briefed that focus of University is beyond production through development of strategies and market linkages for increasing the share of farmers in consumers’ rupee. “University and KVKs are frontrunners in linking farmers with market” he said.
Vice Chancellor stressed to focus on post harvest management to reduce the losses which are to the tune of 20 per cent to 30 per cent in case of grains and even more for perishable commodities like fruits and vegetables. He also stressed upon formation of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and invited the farmers to avail the help of KVK besides taking optimum benefit of University facilities. He said that SKUAST-J has initiated more than six FPOs till now. The KVKs have already developed models for registration of commodity based FPOs in several districts of Jammu region, he added.
Display of latest technologies, farm machinery, seed and planting material, small tools and implements, live demonstrations, fruit, vegetable show, display of good quality breeds of Murrah, Sahiwal, small ruminants, kadaknath, traditional food, on-spot soil testing facility, Agricultural start-up, kisan Ghoshti and crop seminar were the focus and attractions of the one day Kisan Divas program.
Also, agriculture and allied departments, IFFCO (Nano Urea), ABX crops, Netafin, Frontech, STIHL, Alpha Environmental Systems, R K Sprayers, Supreme feed, Soil testing Lab, entrepreneurs, progressive farmers, self help groups, FPO’s, ASHA workers and others depicted their exhibits and technologies during the programme at KVK.
Principal Secretary felicitated the progressive farmers including farm women for their best contribution in the field of agriculture and allied sectors in that area.
During the event, interaction of farmers was also held with district heads of line departments wherein farmers were given information about the initiatives and developmental schemes of various line departments.
Director Extension, SKUAST Jammu, Dr S K Gupta, Director Agriculture, Dr K K Sharma, Director, Sheep Husbandry, Krishal Lal, State Marketing Manager IFFCO, Joginder Paul Mehta, officers from other line departments and progressive farmers of Jammu district also put forth their views during the programme.
Earlier, Dr Punit Choudhary, Senior Scientist and Head KVK Jammu briefed about the objectives of conducting such types of activities.

KR Desk