Union Minister of State for Development of Northeastern Region, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Pulse Research Sub-Station Samba.Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chandra Parkash Ganga, Chairman OBC Board Rashpal Verma, Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu Dr Pradeep K Sharma and other officers were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that agriculture is the main source of livelihood for majority of the population of Samba district and with the establishment of KVK the farmers will be able to update their skills and knowledge on modern agricultural technologies. “The KVK will facilitate capacity building of farmers besides supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors in improving the agricultural economy of the district”, he added. He further said that it will definitely bring an attitudinal change in the mindset of farmers towards adoption of new technological innovations in the field.The Minister exhorted upon the concerned officers to make sure that the KVK produces quality products like seed, planting material, bio-agents etc and make it available to farmers in a total transparent and hassle free manner.
He also asked them to organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programmes within the mandate of KVK for optimum outcome.He was optimistic that the new KVK under SKUAST-Jammu will work day and night for improving the agriculture scenario of the district thus transforming the socio-economic status of the farmers.The Union Minister was briefed about various schemes and programs envisaging welfare and development of farming community. He urged upon the people to bring themselves under the ambit of the same. The Union Minister asked the district officers to reach out to the people and sensitize them about the programmes being implemented by the government for their betterment.The Industries Minister deliberated upon the importance of agriculture sector in the state and mentioned that with the establishment of KVK the farmers of the district will get exposure to new agriculture technologies. He highlighted the agriculture scenario of the district and termed the establishment of this vital institution of immense significance for the farming community to further boost their business.