Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kathua under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) today organized One day Farmers-Scientist Interaction cum Ex-Trainees Sammelan for Doubling farmers` income. Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh was the chief guest and Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Rajiv Jasrotia was the guest of honour.In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized upon the importance of KVKs in effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored schemes for the welfare of the farmers. He recognized KVKs as scientific institutions at the doorstep of farmers and in this context applauded the work done by KVK for the economic upliftment of farmers of Kathua district through horizontal expansion of PUSA Basmati varities, sustaining oilseeds and pulses production and development of entrepreneurship in poultry, Beekeeping & Piggery. Highlighting the achievements of KVK, he congratulated the staff and advised them to work with same dedication and zeal for fulfilling the dream of doubling the farmers` income residing in remotest village of the district.Underlining the importance of Crop insurance scheme and Soil card for farmers, Dr. Singh said that these concepts were earlier alien to us but due to PM`s intervention insurance cover of Rs. 131000 Crore has been offered to farmer`s crop covering approximately 380 hectares of land beside insurance benefit was given to nearly 4 Crore farmers. He also said that 12.50 Crore soil cards were distributed among farmers in India of which 17000 soil cards were given to farmers of Kathua district. Taking benefit of these two schemes can definitely help farmers in doubling their income by 2022, Dr. Singh added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also talked about interlinking various welfare schemes like MUDRA Yojana and PMAY so that the integrated benefits of these schemes can be percolated to the targeted populace especially the farmers. He further informed that Shahpur Kandi project after getting completed will become a boon to farmers and will be a game changer in providing irrigation facilities to the farmers of barren region besides providing potable water to the water stressed areas.Dr. Jitendra Singh asked the scientists of KVK & SKUAST to devolve a mechanism of alternative vocation for farmers in which they can utilize their farmland when it is free from crops besides promoting farmers to adopt multiple farming, will go a long way in doubling farmer’s income, Dr. Singh asserted and directed the KVK authorities to work in tandem with District Administration to achieve this goal.Citing peace as prerequisite for development, Jitendra Singh said that tender process for construction of bunkers along Hiranagar border has been initiated and 2 Battalions will be raised through recruitment rallies especially for border youth. He also directed DC Kathua to complete the rejuvenation work of Kalibari pond with an estimated cost of Rs. 60 Lakhs. He further said that illumination around Dreamland Park will be done at the earliest.Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Kathua will soon have J&K`s first seed processing plant and a Biotech park so that the farmers can get high yield seeds at reasonable prices beside these units will relate to farmers by providing them latest interventions and knowledge for growing high yield crop varieties.
Minister for Forests, Environment & Ecology, Rajiv Jasrotia highlighted the steps taken by the Govt. at State and Central level for bringing the development of agriculture and farmers. He opined that KVKs have the power to change the lives of farmers through development of mindsets and bringing technology on their farms. He informed the gathering that more than 100 schemes have been launched for the welfare of farmers and every 15 days a new scheme is being launched by the present dispensation. He called the farmers to come forward to take benefit from these schemes.While expressing his gratitude to the Dr. Jitendra Singh for clearing pending amount of PMGSY and CRF, Rajiv said that NH projects will be accorded timely approval and roads in far flung areas will also get completed on time, he assured and further said that Educational infrastructure in the form of Engineering, Medical, Polytechnic college besides KV are given to Kathua by the MoS in PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh.Rajiv also demanded indoor stadium for Kathua besides shifting of DC Office and multi-tier parking facility to decongest traffic and giving Kathua town a modern look. He also said that issue of construction of KVKs at Ramban and Udhampur will also get resolved.
All the formalities for construction of Nagri bridge has been completed and within 2 months the project will be ready for laying of foundation, Rajiv assured and further said that OSK road besides other projects has been progressing at constant speed.Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu, Dr. J P Sharma informed about some useful agricultural technologies developed and recommended by the University after validation at KVK`s level for wider dissemination to enhance the productivity & profitability for farming.Associate Director Extension & Incharge KVKs, Dr. R K Arora gave a brief account of successes achieved by KVKs in Jammu region under the administrative control of SKUAST.Chief Scientist, KVK, Dr. Amrish Vaid presented the formal welcome address and briefed about the salient achievements of KVK in recent years.An exhibition was also organized during the programme, whereby the agripreneurs showcased their products and also interacted with the dignitaries. The farmers also shared their views with the chief guest and appreciated the support provided by KVK Kathua in managing their problems related to farming. One publication was also released during the programme.Others present included DC Kathua, Rohit Khajuria, SSP, Shridhar Patil, Director(P&M), SKUAST, Dr. Deepak Kher, Chief Agricultural Officer, CAHO, DSHO, ACR, DFOs, District Coordinator NYK, farmers and other senior officers.