KVKs briefed on sustainable practices

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the north eastern region were encouraged to actively intervene in natural farming and solar power generation so as to promote sustainable practices, and to collaborate with other research institutions to develop innovative methodologies.
A press release by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR)- National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun, Medziphema stated the KVKs were briefed during “Annual Zonal Workshop 2022-23” organised by ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya in collaboration with ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema on July 20-22 at Medziphema.
The workshop was based on the theme “Translating Research to Development for Sustainable Agriculture in North East region,” aiming to promote the growth of agriculture in the North East region.
Speaking at the programme as chief guest, former DDG (Animal Science), ICAR & VC, AAU, Jorhat, Dr. K M Bujarbaruah highlighted the significance of natural farming and solar power generation in the north-eastern region. He encouraged KVKs to actively intervene in these areas to promote sustainable practices.
Dr. Bujarbaruah appreciated the diverse range of products displayed in the exhibition and emphasized the need for holistic agricultural sustainability rather than focusing solely on production sustainability.
Guest of honour, vice chancellor, CAU, Imphal, Dr. Anupam Mishra highlighted the importance of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoTs, and drone technology in KVK operations.
He stressed the need for collaboration between KVKs and other research institutions to develop innovative methodologies.
Dr. Mishra also discussed strategies for attracting investments from the cooperative sector to support KVK initiatives.
Guest of honour, vice chancellor, AAU, Jorhat, Dr. Bidyut C. Deka, praised the progressive thinking of the north-eastern region, which anticipated ideas now adopted by the Indian government.
Dr. Deka emphasized the widespread cultivation of millets and natural farming practices in the north-eastern hill region and the potential of marketing and commercializing millet-based products for transforming north-eastern agriculture.
He urged KVKs to sign MoUs with AAU Jorhat and encouraged farmers to participate in AAU’s online courses and training, proposing a shift towards an agribusiness system.
Director, ATARI, Zone VII, Dr. A K Mohanty delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the workshop. He emphasized the urgent need for a transformative change in the working of KVKs in the northeastern region of India to achieve sustainable agriculture and development.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Director, ICAR-NRC Mithun, Nagaland, Dr. Girish Patil S.
On this occasion, an exhibition stall was put up and dignitaries and delegates visited the stalls where KVK team shared fruitful information.
The workshop was attended by the 43 heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras from five different states – Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura along with scientists, and extension professionals from various line organizations.