Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu today celebrated the 95th ICAR Foundation Day & Technology Day here under the guidance of Prof. B.N.Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu.
As many as 133 farmers/farm women actively participated in the programme. On this Occasion, an exhibition was also organized where different types of specimens, exhibits and agricultural tools and implements were displayed.
The programme started with the welcome address by Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head. He welcomed all the farmers and highlighted the importance of 95th ICAR Foundation Day. He advised the farmers to adopt Innovative Agricultural Practices to maintain the soil health and make agriculture more profitable.
He informed that the KVK will impart training to the farmers in different innovative farming techniques, including preparation of inputs, enriching soil and value addition of fruits and vegetables. He said the main purpose of organizing the awareness camp was to sensitize farmers about the Innovative Agricultural Practices, which is the need of the hour.
Dr.Neerja Sharma, Senior Scientist Horticulture, discussed in detail the post-harvest techniques and value addition of the fruits and vegetables for enhancement of farmers income.Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha, Senior Scientist Agricultural Engineering acquainted the farmers about the Farm Mechanization and how it has proved a game changer in making Agriculture a profitable activity.
“The introduction of Farm Machinery like tractors, tillers, farm machinery banks, Custom hiring centers, manual weeders, Irrigation Pump sets, Brush Cutters, innovative farm tools has reduced farm drudgery to a greater extent,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Saurav Gupta, Scientist, Entomology briefed in detail the importance of innovative farming as it offers a solution to various problems, such as food insecurity, farmers’ distress, and health problems arising due to pesticide and fertilizer residues in food and water, global warming, climate change and natural calamities.
He also discussed different ways to control various insects –pests and diseases of major crops through innovative farming techniques.Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma Scientist, Animal Sciences discussed the welfare schemes of central and UT governments in the animal husbandry sector.
He also sensitized the farmers about different parasitic diseases among livestock, their prevention and control strategies.Dr. Shalini, Programme Assistant, KVK Samba emphasized the importance of soil in agricultural productivity. She advised the farmers to use organic farming techniques to promote soil health.
Dr.Amit Mahajan, discussed in detail the weed management practices in the kharif crops. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Saurav Gupta. Others who participated in the programme include Bharat Bhushan, Tajinder Singh and Pawan Singh.