Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu is organizing 5- Day Mega Krishak Mela – 2022 from November 17, 2022 at Main Campus, Chatha. It was stated by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J ,Prof.J P Sharma here at a press conference held in Baba Jitto Auditorium today.
He stated that 5 day Krishak Mela will be a mega event and was being organized by SKUAST-Jammu in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Floriculture, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, Command Area Development, IFFCO, Kisan Board, National Horticulture Board, JKEDI, ICCR, KVIB, NABARD, School Education, Higher Education J&K Bank, Rural Department etc.
“Earlier Kisan Mela was organized for two days only but on the direction of Hon’ble LG J&K UT, it was extended to five days and now we are organizing the fourth five day krishak mela” he added. The theme of Krishak Mela 2022 is “Diversification in Agriculture for Self Reliant India,” he added.
Highlighting the objectives, he said “Diversification is very important in agriculture. It is not only important for assured income to our farming community but also in maintaining the ecology of agricultural systems making them more sustainable.
Krishak Mela, 2022 would focus on demonstration and exhibition of proven and improved technologies developed by the university to improve agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability in the Jammu region,” he added.
He further said that the event would bring a large number of farmers, farm women, livestock owners, agri-preneurs, industrialists, rural youth, researchers, technocrats, extensions workers, students and policy makers on 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.
Farmers from nearby states viz., Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan etc. will be visiting SKUAST-Jammu to actively participate in the Krishak Mela,2022. There will be a separate Corner for FPOs, SHGs and start-ups to showcase their products, he informed.
The Vice Chancellor further informed that the main attractions of the fair will be convention on millets, organic farming, flower cultivation, exhibition of latest agri-start-ups, schemes of AtmaNirbhar Bharat, kisan ghosties, convention on FPOs, beekeeping and sale of quality seed and planting material, live demonstration of new varieties, field trips, flower show, vegetable show, fruit show, animal and dog show, agri-tourism, rural sports, painting competition, essay competition, workshop on vertical farming and hydroponics, Session by IFFCO, KVIB and seed companies, Session by NABARD, seed conference, pulses and oilseeds, farmers-scientist interaction, awareness programme on agriculture education for school children and presentation by National awarded innovative farmers.
There will be more than 250 stalls from various sectors viz., public, private, NGOs and progressive farmers, depicting the latest farm technologies such as hydroponics, Integrated Farming System, improved farm machinery, irrigation systems, mobile soil testing lab and exotic vegetables related to farmer welfare.
Focus on introduction of new technologies such as drones, diversification of agriculture through specialty products, promotion of innovations, enhancing farm mechanization, bringing more area under assured irrigation and implementing efforts to mitigate the effect of climate change in agriculture.
Besides, the cultural programme, rural sports activities, debate competitions, dance programmes will also be organised during the Krishak Mela.Besides, the sensitization of rural youths and farmer-scientist interactions will be arranged to provide a quick and effective way of exchanging innovative ideas.
Progressive farmers will be felicitated for their outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.It is the only forum of its kind where policy makers, government officials and all stakeholders will come together to have interaction and dialogue with farmers.
Competition among panchayats for management of community ponds will also be held during the Mela, while Planting material of rabi crops, citrus fruit, aonla, wheat see variety JAUW672 etc will also be made available for sale.