Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu is organizing five day long Kisan Mela from March 16 to March 20, 2021 at its Main Campus, Chatha.Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and Chief Patron of the Kissan Mela, Prof. J.P. Sharma, during interaction with Media informed that the theme of the Mela is “Self Sufficient Agriculture- Self reliant India”. He said that the Kisan Mela would focus on demonstration of the transferable technologies developed by the university to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Jammu region. The highlights of the mela will be on exhibition of proven and advanced techniques to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability in the agriculture sector.Prof. Sharma said that the event shall bring a large number of farmers, farm women, livestock owners, agri-preneurs, industrialists, rural youth, researchers, technocrats, extensions workers, students and policy makers at one platform, wherein they shall have direct access to latest innovative ideas available in the field of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and other allied sectors.Prof, Sharma further informed that main attractions of the mela will be exhibition of latest agri-start-ups, kisan ghosties, sale of quality seed and planting material, live demonstration of new varieties, flower show, vegetable show, fruit show, passport mela, animal & dog show, agri-tourism, industrial meet, rural sports and farmers-scientist interaction, presentation by innovative farmers.
Recently released twelve new crop varieties by the university viz; three of Basmati rice (Jammu basmati 118, Jammu basmati 123 and Jammu basmati 138); two of lentil (Jammu lentil 71 and Jammu lentil 144) and one each of Lobia (Jammu Lobia Super 60), Rajmash (Bhaderwah Rajmash BR 104), Radish (Jammu Radish 45/CR 45), Broad bean (Jammu Broad bean 1), Tomato (Jammu Cherry Tomato 1), Wlalnut (Variety Bhushan) and pecan nut (SJPP-25) will be also a main attraction of the Mela. Moreover the mela will be available live on virtual platforms. On the occasion exhibition depicting latest technologies such as Hydroponics, Integrated farming system, improved Farm Machinery, Irrigation systems, exotic vegetables related to farmer welfare will also laid by SKUAST-Jammu, Department of Agriculture & other allied departments, Mobile Soil testing Lab, entrepreneurs, progressive farmers, IFFCO and other public and private companies.Mega stalls will also be laid about technologies of SKUAST-Jammu and all department products related to Doubling Farmers’ Income at one place for information to farmers. During the kisan mela, progressive farmers will be felicitated for their best contribution in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. It is the only forum of its kind where policy makers, government officials and all stake holders will come together to have interaction and dialogue with farmers. Prof. Sharma said that 5 days Kisan Mela 2021 is first of its kind and 7th such event to be organized by SKUAST-Jammu and hopes that it will be a Mega Event.The Kisan Mela is to be organized in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Floriculture, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, Command Area Development, National Horticulture Board, JKEDI, ICCR etc.