Governor of Tripura Hails KVKs as Gamechanger for NE Agricultural Development During AZW of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII

As a significant milestone in advancing agricultural innovations in the North Eastern states, the Annual Zonal Workshop (AZW) of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest N. Indrasena Reddy, Governor of Tripura on 19th September 2024 (Thursday) at the College of Fisheries, CAU (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura.

The three-day event, running from 19-21 September has brought together 43 KVKs across Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura along with various stakeholders comprising of eminent scientists from diverse agricultural fields, policymakers, teaching professionals, state-level extension professionals, Agro-industries, FPOs, Start-ups and progressive farmers on a common platform to share their valuable insights on various issues of North Eastern hill agriculture, providing appropriate technological options to KVKs for sustainable development of hill agriculture.

The workshop was contemplated with inclusion of various events like Stakeholders’ Interface, Agri-Industry/FPO Meet, Exhibition for technology Showcasing and PPV&FRA workshop in addition to discussion about the KVK accomplishments. In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest Governor of Tripura N. Indrasena Reddy citing the KVKs as the "true bridge between laboratory to land", applauded the role of KVKs as game changers for enhancing the agricultural landscape of Northeastern region, with more than 50 percent of the hill farmers getting real-time benefits from their knowledge and services.

The Governor also praised the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Central Agricultural University (CAU) for their pioneering role in agricultural technology transfer and urged for an effective collaboration between KVKs, research organisations and the State Agriculture Departments for devising innovative solutions to the challenges confronted by small landholders in the region and expressed optimism that the workshop would address various critical issues pertinent to the agricultural development of the region and youth employment in agriculture.

The event also featured notable contributions from several distinguished guests on the dais including Dr. U. S. Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) of ICAR; Dr. Anupam Mishra,  Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal; Dr. M.M. Adhikary, former Vice-Chancellor of BCKV, West Bengal; Dr. H Rahman, former Deputy Director General (An. Science) and Regional Representative ILRI (South Asia) along with Dr. P. Chakraborty, Former Member of ASRB, New Delhi, and ADG (PP) of ICAR and Dr. RR Burman, Assistant Director General (AE), ICAR.

Chairing over the programme Dr. U. S. Gautam, DDG (AE), ICAR, New Delhi outlined an ambitious roadmap for the development of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Emphasizing the future of agricultural innovation, he highlighted the key strategies to transform KVKs into hubs of excellence, enhancing the intellectual property portfolio of KVKs aiming to increase patents, copyrights, and geographical indications linked to indigenous agricultural technologies and practices.

Dr. Anupam Mishra,  Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal in his insightful address accentuated the pivotal role of the College of Fisheries in fostering sustainable fisheries in Northeast India and stressed the importance of networking between KVKs and the College to enhance eco-friendly fish farming practices to boost the fish production and integrate sustainable aquaculture in the agricultural framework of Northeastern region, thus supporting rural farmers and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Highlighting the importance of the workshop, Dr. R. R. Burman, ADG (AE), ICAR, New Delhi emphasized the integration of digital agriculture platforms like Kisan Sarathi, KVK Portal and the effective use of ‘Common Service Centres’ for disseminating agricultural knowledge. He also stressed on KVKs' role for partnership development with the private sector, production of quality seeds and planting materials, practicing regenerative agriculture, precision farming and carbon farming and agriprenureship development.

The Guest of Honour Dr. H. Rahman, Former DDG (Animal Science) in his address called for further strengthening KVKs' efforts in livestock development, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting sustainable livestock farming practices, ultimately contributing to the region’s agricultural resilience and economic growth in the context of which he lauded the success of ‘Pashu Vigyan Kendras’ specialized KVK units dedicated to advancing animal husbandry practices.

Similarly, Dr. M. M. Adhikary, Former Vice Chancellor of BCKV, West Bengal reaffirmed the importance of KVKs in leading India’s agricultural sector through knowledge sharing and fostering partnerships and shaping strategies to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural growth in the region. Dr. P. Chakraborty, Former Member of ASRB, New Delhi, and ADG (PP) of ICAR, stated that the workshop serves as an ideal platform to prepare a road map for boosting agricultural productivity and supporting country's long-term food and nutrition goals.

Setting the tone for the workshop at the outset, Dr. AK Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, Umiam Meghalaya in his welcome address gave a brief outline about the importance of KVK in technology transfer protocol of National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System (NAREES) and underscored the event's diverse agenda, featuring Stakeholders’ Interfaces, Agri-Industry/FPO Meets, and a showcase of cutting-edge agricultural technologies with a key focus on PPV&FRA Workshop, which emphasizes conserving traditional germplasm and protecting farmers' rights, crucial to preserving the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Prof. Arun Bhai Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries CAU Lembucherra, extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants. In a symbolic gesture for ‘Ek Ped Ma ke Nam”,  Governor along with other dignitaries planted saplings on the college premises before the commencement of the program followed by inauguration of exhibition cum technology showcase and visit to scientific facilities developed at College of Fisheries, Tripura including Pabda Hatchery, Referral Museum, Barcode Museum, Molecular Biology Laboratory etc.

The Valedictory programme of the workshop was attended by Jitendra Majumdar, MLA of the Kakraban-Shalgara Constituency of Tripura as Chief Guest. Being highly impressed with the conduct of such workshop with conglomeration of different stakeholders, he lauded the role of KVKs for transforming the agriculture sector of Northeastern region and suggested for formation of farmers’ club at grass root level for efficient technology transfer and capacity building of farmers. During this programme, there was conferment of Best KVK Award to KVK, Sepahijala, Tripura for their outstanding performances in the zone.