NL Correspondent
Jammu Tawi, Feb 16
Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J), inaugurated a two day “Kisan Mela” at the Chatha Campus of the University today when Sh. Gulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Minister for Agriculture Production, and Sh. Daljit Singh Chib, Vice Chairman J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans were also present. This Mela has been organized on the theme of “Technology Driven Agriculture for Doubling Farmer's Income”.
Governor complimented the Vice Chancellor Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, and his colleagues for the successful completion of 18 years of the University's functioning. He observed that in the past four years the University has achieved commendable progress in infrastructure development and enhancement in academic programmes. Stressing the vital importance of implementing meaningful outreach programmes Governor called upon the Farm Universities and the State Government Agriculture Department and Banks to work very closely together to lay the foundation of the Second Green Revolution. Governor noted that the State's import bill for meat, poultry and eggs is approximately Rs. 2,000 crores per annum and both the University and Agriculture Department need to prepare a roadmap for making the State a net exporter of these products. Governor appreciated the work done by the University in making technological breakthroughs for enhancing the on-farm income of small-scale farm households in the state and observed that new models of agriculture being developed by the Varsity should be adopted by farmers to multiply their incomes. Earlier, Governor visited the livestock show which was jointly set up by the livestock owners and the University. He also visited the exhibitions and stalls set up at the Mela by Agricultural Universities from neighbouring states, national institutes, agriculture and allied development departments of the state, banks, seed and plant protection industry, and different departments and the research centres of the university.
Governor released University's ‘Balance Sheet 2013-14'and a ‘Farmer Friendly Poultry App', which is a mobile application designed to help the farmers to assess the production potential and cost benefit ratio, amount of feed required, balance sheet of farmer's expenditure and profit from the flocks etc. Through this App a farmer can directly communicate with the KVK experts.
Sh. Gulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Minister for Agriculture Development, in his address said that his Department has prepared a policy paper for putting in place a cold chain for vegetables so that the farmers can get remunerative prices for their produce. Sh. Daljit Singh Chib, Vice Chairman J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, spoke about the enhancement of budgetary allocations for Agriculture by the Central and State governments. Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, presented the welcome address and appreciated the guidance and support of the Governor and State Government in running the university. The Vote of Thanks was given by Dr. K. S. Risam, Director Extension, SKUAST-J.
