Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu inaugurated one day Rabi Kisan Mela at KVK Samba in the presence of Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba. The Theme of the Mela was “Diversified farming under the rain-fed ecosystem”.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Tripathi emphasized the role of women in development of agriculture, especially in Kandi areas of Samba district. He highlighted the role of women for promoting diversification in agriculture through adoption of enterprises such as mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, growing of vegetables, floriculture and value addition.
He discussed the role of high-tech agriculture in enhancing farm income under the changing climate scenario. He extended full support and cooperation from the research and extension wing of the University to strengthen farmers of Kandi areas and women groups.
Abhishek Sharma emphasized upon the implementation of HADP Project in Samba district for welfare of the farmers. He suggested undertaking proactive steps for skill development of farmers registered under Kisan Daksh Portal.
He emphasized upon the need to ensure continuous hand holding of farmers in adoption of latest location specific technologies. He stressed upon the role of scientists of KVKs in collaborating with line departments for bringing field level changes in development of agriculture.
Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Research and Registrar, SKUAST-Jammu suggested that collaborative programmes should be conducted at village level for enhancing production, productivity and farm income.Dr. Shubhra Sharma, Director Animal Husbandry, highlighted the various schemes offered by the department for welfare of farmers and farm women.
She elaborated the terms and conditions of important schemes and motivated farm women to avail the benefit under all the schemes. A.S. Reen, Director Agriculture Jammu, underlined the projects under HADP implemented by the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
While emphasizing upon the role of Kisanmelas for farmers, he discussed innovative schemes offered by the department for enhancing farmers’ income. C.L. Sharma, Jt. Director Horticulture Jammu discussed various schemes of the department, including ultra-high density plantation, area expansion schemes for small and marginal farmers and post-harvest management.
He requested farmers/farm women to understand the modalities of the schemes for wider adoption and easy accessibility.Subash Bhagat, DDC Member highlighted potentials and constraints associated with rainfed farming in Samba district.
He appreciated the efforts of women in Kandi areas for promoting entrepreneurship to earn livelihood for their families. He also requested farm women and farmers to perform their farming activities on scientific lines for enhancing their incomes.
Earlier Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu extended warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants in the programme. He expounded the theme of the Kisanmela and deliberated upon the importance of rainfed agriculture in economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. He informed about the collaborative efforts made by the line department and University to organize the Mega event at KVK Samba.
Among other dignitaries Ashwani Sharma, Additional Director Sericulture, Jammu and Statutory Officers of SKUAST-Jammu Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dean FVSc. & AH RS Pura, Dr. Ashwani Sharma, University Librarian, Dr. Jaswinder Soodan, Dean Dairy Technology, Dr. Anil Kumar, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Sanjay Khar, Director Planning & Monitoring and Dr. Sudhakar Dwivedi Dean Student Welfare remained interactive during the mela. Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Head KVK Samba introduced innovative farmers and presented the vote of thanks.
More than 70 stalls involving vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, honey, jaggery, farm machinery and equipment, organic inputs and products showcased during the Mela by government department, private sector, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs. Live demonstration of Agri-Drone was also organized in which one acre of crop was sprayed within six minutes.
An animal show consisting of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, dogs was also organized as one of the major events of the Mela. More than 500 farmers/farm women participated in the Mela and shared their experiences and achievements. Appreciation certificates to the farmers / farm women for outstanding stalls were also distributed.