![VC of SKUAST-J,Prof.JP Sharma visiting the exhibition stalls during the Kisan Mela at Talwara village. VC of SKUAST-J,Prof.JP Sharma visiting the exhibition stalls during the Kisan Mela at Talwara village.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/page8-17.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Dec 29: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), organised one day Kisan Mela here at Govt High School Talwara in Pouni block.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-J, Prof J P Sharma was the chief guest of the programme while Dr Sumati Sharma was the guest of honour. The Mela was organised under the Vice Chancellor to Village Programme. All the SOPs under COVID-19 pandemic were strictly followed while conducting the event.
The major objective of the programme was to create awareness among the farmers about the new technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. Exhibition stalls were also put up by the different departments, NGOs, private firms and progressive farmers during the event to showcase the various technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, SKUAST-J Vice Chancellor said that in order to give a push to agriculture, marketing linkages need to be strengthened. He stressed on Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and value added agriculture. He appreciated the street play (Nukad Natak) organised for conveying the message about the organic farming in the most effective manner. He appreciated the role of KVK for the efforts on organic farming and lemon grass farming. He explained the success stories of many agri-enterpreneurs.
Dr Sumati Sharma appreciated the women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for their handicrafted products.
Director Extension of SKUAST-J, Dr S K Gupta suggested farmers to avail the benefits of Centrally/State Sponsored Programmes/Schemes.
Dr Banarsi Lal, Sr Scientist-cum-Head of KVK, Reasi briefed the guest about the activities of KVK. He stressed on organic farming and urged farmers to avail the benefits of expertise of KVK scientists.
Dr.Sanjay Kaushal, Scientist, guided farmers on organic farming. Dr Pawan Sharma, Scientist motivated the farmers for their endeavours on organic farming, lemon grass farming etc. Dr Lalit Upadhyay, Scientist, conducted the proceedings the Mela. Chief Agriculture Officer, Rajinder Thaploo spoke on the value addition in lemon grass farming and guided farmers on new technologies in agriculture.
Progressive farmers, departments and private firms were felicitated during the Mela. Chief Animal Husbandry and Asstt Director Fisheries also briefed their activities in the district. Dr Suja Nabi Qureshi, Dr Arvinder Kumar, Jagdish Kumar, Manohar Lal, Mohd Iqbal and Sanjay Kumar were also present during the occasion.