Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Feb 17: Prof B N Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, today inaugurated one day Rabi Kisan Mela at KVK Samba in the presence of Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba. Theme of the Mela was “Diversified farming under rainfed ecosystem”.
While speaking on the occasion, Prof Tripathi emphasized upon 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, beekeeping, vegetable, floriculture and value addition.
DC Samba, Abhishek Sharma emphasized upon the implementation of HADP Project in Samba district for welfare of the farmers. He suggested to undertake 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 her department for welfare of farmers and farm women.
A S Reen, Director Agriculture Jammu, underlined the projects under HADP implemented by the Government of J&K. While emphasizing upon the role of Kisan Melas 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. Subash Bhagat, DDC Member, highlighted potentials and constrains associated with rainfed farming in Samba district.
Earlier, Dr Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu, expounded the theme of the Kisan Mela and deliberated upon the importance of rainfed agriculture in economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Sanjay Khajuria, Head KVK Samba, presented the vote of thanks. More than 70 stalls were put in during the Mela. Live demonstration of Agri-Drone was also organized. An animal show comprising of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, dogs was also organized as one of the major event of the Mela.