 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 20: Jenab Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, UT of J&K along with Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister and Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, UT of J&K inaugurates four-days National Agriculture Summit at SKUAST-Jammu.
Jenab Omar Abdullah, who was chief guest during the occasion on the inaugural ceremony spoke about self sufficiency and sustainability in agriculture and allied sectors through adoption of innovative technologies. Speaking on severe threats posed by global warming on agriculture he said that innovation shall guide farmers to cope up these threats. He stressed for adoption of low volume and high value products. He said that landscape of J&K has immense potential for cultivation of niche crops. He suggested the scientific fraternity to work for tapping the potential of animal husbandry, fisheries, mushroom production, sericulture and apiculture. He suggested farmers to make progressive shift from traditional farming to organic farming for remunerative income. He assured all possible support to the University for all such endeavours.
Surinder Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. He said University should focus on teaching, research and extension and stressed that research outputs needs to be disseminated from lab to land. He advised scientists of the University to work for the welfare of the farming community so as to enhance their socio-economic status.
Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election appreciated efforts of the University for organizing such mega event. He highlighted on novel technologies like AI and drone and their role in modern agriculture. He focussed on providing better inputs for farmers, developing value chain for niche crops, bridging technological gaps and build better infrastructure at local levels. He encouraged for collaboration amongst the stakeholders and assured full support and commitment of his government towards progress of the farming community.
Professor Narinder Singh Raina said that organizing such events are an appropriate platform for interaction among stakeholders and learning innovative techniques of agriculture and allied sectors. He stressed upon promotion of organic farming, sustainability and management of diverse crop stresses.
In welcome address, Dr. B.N. Tripathi, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu informed the house about the research achievements, varieties developed and recent technological advancements achieved by the University in agriculture and allied sectors. He focussed on doubling farmers income by working on capacity development and training of the farmers. He spoke about the Start-Up ecosystem and the achievements being made under HADP.
Earlier, the dignitaries inaugurated Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, livestock show, flower show, rural sports and exhibitions of different stalls. During the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated Radio Kisan 90.8 FM, Community Radio Station of the University, released six publications of the University and felicitated progressive farmers from different districts of the Jammu Division.
The programme was attended by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Director ICAR-CITH, Dr. M.K. Verma, Director CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, statutory officers of the University, scientists, students and farmers. Vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension and proceedings of the summit were conducted by Dr. Sachin Gupta. |
