Ludhiana18 September, 2024-A three days Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone 1, Ludhiana starts today at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh as Chief Guest. Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Vet Varsity, Ludhiana presided over the inaugural ceremony. Dr. JP Sharma, Former Vice-Chancellor, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu graced the occasion as Special Guest.
The inaugural ceremony started with the welcome address by Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education and Organizing Secretary of the workshop. The Chief Guest, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel discussed that demonstrations are the key to strengthen the extension system and to bridge the gap between research and farmers. He further mentioned grassroot innovations, natural farming and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill shared his valuable insights and stressed upon the transfer of need based technologies. He further added that the competencies of KVK personnel should be enhanced and updated from time to time by organizing refresher courses, so that farmers may be guided in a better way. Dr. JP Sharma addressed regarding the vitality of diversification of farming systems, opportunities in agri-processing and achieving zero hunger through zero wastage. He emphasized that value addition of agri-produce, entrepreneurship development and market intelligence shall prove to be profitable for strengthening the farming community.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ATARI Zone 1 briefed about the achievements and recognitions of various KVKs working under ATARI. During the inaugural ceremony, different publications were released which included Annual Report of ATARI Zone 1, two technical bulletins and one video film.