Early Times Report
REASI, Feb 3: Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST Jammu) Prof. B.N Tripathi visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra Reasi and interacted with more than 100 farm women of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Prof. Tripathi motivated the members of SHGs to adopt new agricultural technologies, including value addition and processing. He narrated several success stories of women at national level who have developed into a role model for the society and suggested the women of Reasi to initiate group activities and economic ventures for self-dependence. Prof. Tripathi also suggested the scientists of KVKs to adopt women centric poultry villages for the nutritional security and sustainable livelihood of farm families residing in remote villages of Reasi. He assured full cooperation of University to develop agri-entrepreneurship of rural youths and farm women through different projects of KVKs.
On his way to KVK Reasi, Prof. Tripathi made personal visits to the entrepreneurs and progressive farmers. While his visit to 'Urban Hills' - a vegetable and fruit dehydration unit established near Katra by Dharun Sharma with the technical support and guidance of KVK, he appreciated the efforts in terms of entrepreneurship development and employment generation. While monitoring the operations in the processing unit, he advised scientists to develop new utility machines for processing to reduce the drudgery of women workers and ensure hygiene in different operations. Vice Chancellor also visited the fields of lemon grass and interacted with Tilak Raj, the President of FPO Lemon Grass. In addition, he made a personal visit to women Self Help Groups who are making local handicrafts. Vice Chancellor also visited various units of KVK Reasi and applauded the efforts of KVK staff for welfare of farming community.
Vice Chancellor was accompanied by Director Extension Dr. Amrish Vaid who presented the role of directorate in strengthening the activities of KVKs. He deliberated upon the different government schemes and projects such as CFLDs, FPOs etc. being implemented in KVK Reasi through the administration of Directorate of Extension. He discussed the outcome of University technologies in enhancing the farm productivity and income of farmers.
Earlier Dr. Banarsi Lal, Sr. Scientist and Head, KVK Reasi welcomed Dr. Tripathi and other dignitaries at KVK Reasi and discussed the activities and projects of KVK in the district such as Natural farming, ARYA, DAMU etc. An exhibition was also organised on this occasion at KVK Reasi in which more than 15 stalls were displayed by farmers including Lemon Grass Oil, Handicrafts, mushroom, medicinal plants, Bamboo products etc. Vice Chancellor visited the stalls and interacted with presenters. Certificates and mementoes were also given to Farm women and farmers for outstanding work their field.
On this occasion, an Awareness Programme on Natural Farming was organised in which farmers were advised to adopt organic and natural farming. Expert lectures on preparation of Beej Amrit, Jeevaamrit etc. were delivered and farmers were given practical training. Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Dr. Lalit Upadhyay, Dr. Sanjay Koushal, Dr Lobzang Stanzen, Dr Arvinder Kumar, Jagdish Kumar, Manhor Lal, Preeti Choudhary and other staff members were also present. |
