KVKs' annual zonal workshop sets stage for agricultural innovation in NE India

IMPHAL, Sep 21
The Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), organised by the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, concluded today at the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura.
According to a release issued by ICAR-KVK Imphal West, the three-day event has brought together 43 KVKs from five northeastern states- Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, marking a significant milestone in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability in the region.
In his inaugural address, N Indrasena Reddy, Governor of Tripura, praised KVKs as the vital bridge between the laboratory and the land.
He also emphasized the need for engaging youth and generating employment through innovative agricultural practices.
Dr A K Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, outlined the workshop’s diverse agenda, including Stakeholders’ Interfaces, Agri-Industry/FPO Meets, and a special session on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA).
Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, emphasized the university’s pivotal role in disseminating eco-friendly agricultural practices through its extensive KVK network.
He also stressed on the importance of sustainable fish farming and called for continued collaboration to boost fish production, integrating aquaculture into the agricultural framework of Northeast India.
Dr U S Gautam, DDG (Agricultural Extension) of ICAR, laid out an ambitious roadmap for KVKs, including the establishment of Urban and Semi-Urban KVKs and the development of business centers to empower farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Dr R R Burman, ADG (Agricultural Extension), praised KVKs for their role in advancing sustainable agriculture through partnerships with the private sector and promoting technologies such as agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.
He emphasized the integration of digital agriculture via platforms like Kisan Sarathi and stressed the importance of high-quality seeds, planting materials, and KVKs’ role in creating over 70,000 rural entrepreneurs.
Dr Burman also underscored KVKs’ ongoing efforts to promote precision farming and their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for India.
Notably, the workshop’s objective is to transform KVKs into centers of agricultural excellence. Key initiatives include enhancing intellectual property portfolios through the promotion of patents, copyrights, and geographical indications (GI) related to indigenous agricultural practices.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) were also proposed to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality seeds and planting materials.