Kissan Mela-2017

Abdul Ghani Kohli Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries was the chief guest on the valedictory function of the two days’ Kissan Mela organized by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST Jammu). The theme of this year’s Kisan Mela was “Integrated Farming: Profitable and Sustainable Farming”. The highlights of two days Kisan Mela were: field visits, Kisan Goshtis, rural sports, video films of advance technologies , cultural programmes in addition to mega exhibition. The Minister in his address to the farmers laid emphasis on increasing the production of poultry, meat, eggs and fish in the state thereby making state self sufficient in animal products. He said the government was considering formulating a policy on poultry farming so as to bring it into the ambit of small scale industry for giving a boost to poultry farming in the state. He emphasized upon the scientists and technocrats for developing renumerative technologies for high and dry areas of the state. He appreciated the role of the university in organizing Kisan Mela for educating farmers and the development of integrated farming system model to increase profitability of farmers. Kohli thanked the vice chancellor of SKUAST Jammu for providing him an opportunity to visit the university and interacting with fellow farmers. Abdul Ghani Kohli distributed awards among the selected progressive cattle/ buffalo/sheep & goat/ poultry farmers whose animal were adjudged as the best animals. In the crop production and horticulture awards were given to various categories of stalls installed in the exhibition. Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma Vice Chancellor SKUAST of Jammu gave an exhaustive overview of the problems of small scale family farming in the state. In his keynote address, he educated the farmers about adopting integrated farming system to increase per hectare net income to rupees three lakhs compared to rice wheat cultivation that fetches a maximum of net profit of Rs. 70000 per ha under irrigated conditions. He informed the Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries that university is working for developing half hectare model of integrated farming system for rain-fed areas. In his welcome address, Dr. K.S. Risam Director Extension SKUAST Jammu informed that more than 5000 farmers attended the Kisan Mela besides universities like Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University Punjab, private industry , NGOs , farmer entrepreneurs etc. Different divisions of SKUAST Jammu had also exhibited latest technologies developed by the university in the stalls installed. Agriculture and allied departments and research institutes of Jammu region have participated in the exhibition. A.K. Malhotra Director Agriculture Jammu in address expressed his appreciation for strong linkage and synergy between the university and line departments. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr. R.K. Arora Associate Director Extension SKUAST Jammu. The proceedings were conducted by Ashwani Jojra Assistant Project Officer, Department of Agriculture.