ICAR-ATARI, Umiam hosts Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs at Nagaland

22 July, 2023, Medziphema 

ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya organized its much-awaited Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs at Nagaland in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema from 20- 22 July 2023.

The workshop, contemplated with a theme "Translating Research to Development for Sustainable Agriculture in North East region" envisages in fostering collaborations and partnerships among various allied organizations, providing ample opportunities for the KVK scientists to learn about the appropriate and latest technological options for large scale technology applications in the field and review the significant accomplishments of Krishi Vigyan Kendras under ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII.

Gracing the inaugural programme as Chief Guest, Dr. K. M. Bujarbaruah, Former DDG (Animal Science), ICAR & former Vice Chancellor, AAU, Jorhat highlighted the significance of natural farming and solar power generation in the north-eastern region. He encouraged the KVKs to actively intervene in these areas following the principle of ‘Local for Vocal’ to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal in his address emphasized the importance of incorporating Artificial Intelligence, IoTs, and drone technology in KVKs operations for effective technology application in the field. Dr. Mishra also discussed strategies for attracting investments from the corporate as well as cooperative sector to support KVK initiatives for strengthening micro level business incubations.

Dr. Bidyut C. Deka, Vice Chancellor, AAU, Jorhat who was Guest of Honour highlighted the importance of widespread cultivation of millets and natural farming practices in the north-eastern hill region and discussed about the potential for commercializing the millet-based products for transforming north-eastern agriculture. In his deliberation, Dr. Deka urged the KVKs to sign MoUs with AAU Jorhat for Online Distance Learning (ODL) programme customized for hand-holding the farmers and start-ups as per their need and farm problems of the region, which may help in shifting the North East agriculture towards agribusiness ecosystem.

Dr. U. S. Gautam, DDG (Agril Extension), ICAR and Dr R.R. Burman, ADG(AE) had an online interaction with the host organizations regarding their monitoring and feedback mechanism and linkage with the state line agencies for translating the KVK accomplishments for large scale implementation in the field.

Earlier, Dr. A K Mohanty, Director, ATARI, Zone VII in his welcome address, mentioned about the perspective plan for strengthening the KVK system in the context of 21st century extension system to bring more efficiency, quality and productivity and provided an overview of the KVK achievements in the region.

The vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Girish Patil S, Director, ICAR-NRC Mithun, Nagaland.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone VII, Umiam)