Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, June 18: Prof Surinder Kumar Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) today visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi and presided over Kisan Goshti on oragnic and natural farming which was attended by a number of farmers from different villages of Reasi district.
Prof.SK Gupta inaugurated farmer exhibition in which various technologies were displayed including value added products of bamboo, lemon grass oil, turmeric powder etc. He also inspected KVK instructional farm and demonstration units.
Welcome address was presented by Dr Banarsi Lal, Sr Scientist & Head KVK Reasi. He apprised the Vice Chancellor about the technical support provided by KVK on organic and natural farming, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices production, value addition in agriculture etc. He encouraged women farmers involved in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote and disseminate their valuable products across different districts of Jammu.
In his address, Prof Gupta laid emphasis upon establishment of Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPOs) with marketing linkages and branding of agricultural products. He further advised that value addition of fruits, vegetables, milk products, medicinal and aromatic plants, adoption of protected cultivation, organic and natural farming etc are required to enhance the income and employment among the farmers. He also stressed on Atamnirbhar Krishi and discussed on development of local branded products. He explained how farmers can get good price for their produce by grading and labeling. He also discussed on the HADP project undergoing in J&K for the upliftment of the farmers.
SHGs from UMEED, NISHA were also present. Kisan goshti was very interactive and farmers questions were answered by VC himself and other members of KVK. Napsack sprayers and vermibeds were also distributed to progressive farmers.
Mixer grinders, Vermi Beds, Spray Pumps etc were distributed to farmers under ARYA project.
Dr Mandeep Singh Azad presented formal vote of thanks. Other officials present during the Goshti were Dr Suja Nabi, Dr Lobzang Stanzen, Dr Arvinder Kumar, Jagdish Kumar, Manohar Lal, Preeti Choudhary and others.