Ganderbal, July 17: The 95th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day was celebrated at KVK Ganderbal at Shuhama.
At the outset, Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal described the history of ICAR and applauded the commendable work done by ICAR which has revolutionised Agriculture and allied sectors of the country. Dr. Abidi informed the participants about the varied role played by technologies generated under National Research System particularly High Yielding Variety programme that has ushered Green Revolution in the country.
He emphasised that through the consistent efforts of ICAR, the country has witnessed significant changes in the crop landscape and new technologies & inputs have been generated which has made our country leader in various sectors. He further revealed that KVK Ganderbal, under Directorate of Extension and ICAR is religiously devoted for the welfare of the farming community of the District through technology dissemination, validation & adoption.
On the occasion Dr. Abidi felicitated champion farmers of the District for their untiring efforts and dedication. The first day of celebrations was marked by a mega training cum awareness programme on ‘Quality Feed & Fodder for Livestock Development’. Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head described the importance of Livestock sector for the economy of the UT and the dire need of quality feed & fodder infrastructure for better outputs. Various technical sessions were held regarding fodder deficit, clean milk production, mastitis, disease management and Protected cultivation by Dr. Eajaz Ahmad Dar & Dr. Shaheen Farooq (scientists of the KVK).
Furthermore, resource persons from Industry & Crop Insurance gave a comprehensive overview of initiatives for the development of fodder resources and new initiatives for the security of various crops through insurance scheme. The programme was followed by an exhibition of technologies developed by the University for the benefit of the farmers.
The farmers were acquainted with High Density Plantation System, Mushroom Cultivation, Value Addition & Processing, Drone Technology, Horti-Poultry Model & Integrated Farming System. Besides, products like pickles, honey, masala tikkis, herbal teas, jams and jellies were also showcased.
The Programme was attended by Scientists, Extension Personnel, rural youth, students, farmers & farm women, SHGs, FIGs, sarpanchs, panchs of the District. The session concluded with Feedback cum Interaction session, wherein the participants raised various queries regarding cultivation of crops and departmental schemes available for the farming community.
Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head thanked ICAR for its generous funding and also expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K & Director Extension for their guidance and leadership which inspires Team KVK to work tirelessly.
The celebrations are set to continue till 18th July 2023 and the scheduled programmes will cover areas like Millet Cultivation, Value Addition & Processing, Nutrition of Women & Children, High Density Orcharding, sanitation, drudgery reduction and other welfare schemes of UT & Government of India.