Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samba, in collaboration with IFFCO today organized a campaign on “Nutri-Garden and Tree Plantation here at its head quarter.The event was held under the leadership of Professor J.P.Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and the aegis of Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-J.Anuradha Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, the Chief Guest of the programme discussed in detail the importance of Nutri-garden and tree Plantation. She briefed the farmers/farm women that the Government of India has launched National Nutrition Mission on Poshan Abhiyan with an objective to converge the programmes of various Ministries to ensure malnutrition free India by 2022.She also emphasized upon introducing “KrishiVatika” at school levels to supplement the GOI initiative of mid-day meal. She also stressed the need for adoption of new techniques to increase the agriculture production and doubling of farmers’ income, as for small and marginal farmers, nutrigarden can generate a critical contribution to the family diet and provide several other benefits, particularly for women. Further, she exhorted the youth to come forward and take over the mantle of agriculture in the district.Bhadur Ram, State Manager, IFFCO, the Guest of Honour, informed the farmers that IFFCO’s Nano Urea Liquid has been found to be very effective as it increases the production with improved nutritional quality. It will also have a huge impact on the quality of underground water, a very significant reduction in global warming with an impact on climate change and sustainable development.
The programme was initiated by Dr. Vinod Gupta, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK, Samba who welcomed the guests and the participants. He highlighted the theme for this year's campaign on “Nutri-Garden and Tree Plantation”. He said that the main focus of initiating this programme through KVKs in the country is to reduce malnutrition and improve the intake of quality nutrition among the farming community. Dr. Neerja Sharma, Scientist Horticulture told the farmers that the Vegetable based nutri-garden is the richest source of nutrition and can play an active role in eradicating under nutrition. Nutri-garden is an advanced form of kitchen garden in which vegetables are grown as a source of food and income.Ashok Gupta, Ex-Deputy Director ATMA sensitized the farmers about the importance of cultivation of organic Vegetable crops. He also stressed upon the judicious use of pesticides in crops.Around 100 farmers of the different villages of district Samba actively participated in the programme. On the occasion, 100 packets of vegetable kits for Rabi season were distributed among farmers during the programme to create awareness among the people about the nutri gardens. Around 1000 saplings of different plants were also distributed among farmers of different villages.The proceedings of the programme were carried out by Dr. Shalini Khajuria. At the end of the programme, the vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Saurav Gupta, Scientist Entomology. The programme was attended by Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Dr. Abhay Sinha, Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma and Dr. Amit Mahajan.