Awantipora: Deputy Director General (Extension) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. U S Goutam, visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Extension Training Centre in the Malangpora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday. Accompanied by Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Director of ATARI-Ludhiana Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director of Extension SKUAST-K, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, and other officials.
Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, the head of KVK/ETC Malangpora, warmly welcomed the dignitaries. Upon reaching the KVK Campus, they conducted a comprehensive field visit, touring all demonstration units such as Horticulture, field crops, dairy unit, Medicinal plants, Fish pond, Poultry, and Duck unit. The officials expressed high satisfaction with the teamwork and efforts demonstrated by KVK scientists in maintaining these units.
The visit extended to various laboratories, including the soil testing lab, food processing lab, and honey bee testing laboratories. The DDG ICAR expressed contentment with the number of samples analyzed and processing activities carried out at the FPTC Lab, officials told Kashmir Reader.
An interactive session took place in the KVK auditorium, attended by staff members and some progressive farmers. Dr. U S Goutam engaged in a face-to-face interaction, apprised of the quality of work being done in KVK Malangpora. He commended the efforts of KVK Malangpora at the grassroots level and provided suggestions for further improvements in farmer-oriented extension activities.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie discussed the roadmap for the university and KVKs, emphasizing active efforts for the accomplishment of making farming a lucrative and profitable venture. Some farmers shared their constraints, and Dr. U S Goutam assured them of his help and cooperation.
During the event, some farmers briefed the Deputy Director General about the various constraints they are facing, and he assured them of his full help and cooperation in addressing those concerns.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Deputy Director General of ICAR Dr. U S Goutam said that there are 721 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country, and he personally oversees their functioning. He expressed satisfaction with the visit to Krishi Vigyan Kendra Malangpora, acknowledging the commendable work being done. However, he noted some needs, and efforts will be made to address them so that KVK Malangpora can continue to excel in this district. He said the plan to open 102 new Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country, aligning with the vision of the Government of India.
He emphasized that discussions will be held on the needs of the remaining KVKs, including the 16 under SKUAST-Kashmir. The focus will be on enhancing their effectiveness for the benefit of farmers. Additionally, visits to KVK buildings with ongoing programs will take place. A significant program on natural farming has also commenced, aiming to raise awareness among farmers, which is the primary objective of this initiative. Taking advantage of government schemes on one hand and leveraging the technology provided by KVKs is essential to meet the needs of farmers.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, said that the Deputy Director General of ICAR Dr. U S Goutam and Director ATARI-Ludhiana Dr. Parvender Sheoran visited our KVK-ETC Malangpora today to assess the performance and requirements of our KVKs. Discussions focused on improving their effectiveness, and a significant program on natural farming is underway at SKUAST-Kashmir.
He said that in Kashmir, they are observing the long-term impacts of intensive agricultural practices on soil, water, and human health. To reverse these effects and improve farmers’ income while addressing environmental concerns, a 10-day program is underway. The Director of Extension is leading this initiative, providing insights and advice on optimizing farming practices and restoring ecological balance. The Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir further told Kashmir Reader that the inauguration of the building at KVK Shopian is scheduled for today. The Deputy Director General of ICAR will preside over the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Dr. U S Goutam, the Deputy Director General (Extension) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), inaugurated the new building of Krushi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Shopian district. This event marks a milestone in the enhancement of agricultural infrastructure in the region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials, including Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Director ATARI-Ludhiana Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director of Extension SKUAST-K, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, and other officials of the KVK Shopian, officials told Kashmir Reader. The new facility is expected to contribute to the advancement of agricultural initiatives in the district.