Navin inaugurates Kisan Divas

Principal Secretary Navin Choudhary inspecting a stall at SKUAST-J.
Principal Secretary Navin Choudhary inspecting a stall at SKUAST-J.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: 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.
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.
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.