Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 17: The two-day long Kisan Mela at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) concluded here today.
Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli was the chief guest at the valedictory function.
The theme of this year’s Kisan Mela, “Technology Driven Agriculture for Doubling Farmers’ Income” was chosen to educate farmers for multiplying their farm income in light of Prime Minister’s endeavour to double the farmers’ income by 2022.
Abdul Ghani Kohli visited the stalls being set up by Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Private Industry and farmers in the Kisan Mela and appreciated the displayed technologies.
In his address to the farmers, the Minister laid emphasis on the importance of the Mela and said that in a green State like Jammu and Kashmir, we import the sheep from arid states like Rajasthan and eggs worth Rs. 80-90 crore annually from neighbouring States.
The Minister informed that the Government has formulated a proposal for poultry and fisheries development in the State to make the State self-sufficient. He further said that the State departments of these sectors and the university should do strategic planning for making the State self-sufficient in meat and meat products.
He also distributed awards among the selected progressive cattle/ buffalo/sheep and goat/ poultry farmers whose animals were adjudged as the best animals in the Mela. The awards were also distributed to the best technological stalls set up by Government sector institutions/universities, private sector agriculture industry, farmers and non-government organizations. In the crop production and horticulture, the awards were given to various categories of stalls installed in the exhibition.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma enumerated various salient achievements of the university in developing technologies for the region.
Director Extension SKUAST-J Dr K.S Risam delivered welcome address while as vote of thanks was presented by Associate Director Extension, SKUAST Jammu Dr R.R Jat.
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