Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
17-February-2015 18:08 IST
Radha Mohan Singh Underlines the Important Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra as Catalyst of Agriculture Growth
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, underlined the important role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra as catalyst of agriculture growth as he emphasized this during the inter-session meeting of the consultative committee of Ministry of Agriculture in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in Shikohpur, Gurgaon today.
Chairing the meeting of the consultative committee of Parliamentarians of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, informed that this is the first time that a consultative committee meeting of Ministry of Agriculture is organized in KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra).
Sh. Singh said that organizing such a important programme in Shikohpur away from the headquarters of Ministry of Agriculture in KVK village will go a long way in bringing about awareness about “Lab to land”.
Sh. Singh emphasized about the role of front-line extension system and said that it has evolved with the growth of ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities in the country.
The basic objective of Frontline extension system is to conduct extension research, develop methodology, demonstrate latest technologies, provide feedback to scientists and provide capacity building support to the main extension system i.e. field extension system of the State Development Departments, he said.
Present on the occasion were Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Parliamentarians who attended this meeting included Shri. B.N. Chandrappa, Shri,G.Hari, Shri M.B. Rajesh, Shri Manshankar Ninama, Shri Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel, Shri Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama, Shri Rajveer (Raju Bhaiya) Singh, Shri Rodmal Nagar, Shri Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Km. Shobha Karandlaje, Shri Sumedhanand Saraswati, Dr. Tapas Mandal, Shri K.R. Arjunan, Shri Shankarbhai N. Vegad and Shri K. Rahman Khan. Also present were Secretary, DARE, Dr. S. Ayyapan. Dr. Ayyapan mentioned that KVKs have played an important role in empowering the farmers showcasing the frontier technologies, capacity development of farmers and extension workers, front runner in technology application making available critical technological information and inputs.
Sh. Singh urged agricultural scientists for voluntarily adopt one village and make regular visits for updating the knowledge of the farmers and exemplify Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav.
He also mentioned KVKs system needs to be strengthened with basic amenities, laboratories and additional scientific manpower. It is the right platform to discuss the issues of KVKs and to reorient the strategies for effective functioning of KVKs for fulfilling its expanding mandate, he said.
Participating in the discussion, MP, Shri. Rodmal Nagar suggested strengthening institutional mechanism for coordination between Agriculture Technology Management Agency(ATMA) officers and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. MP Sh. Sumedhanand Saraswati suggested the Government may look into extending the role of KVKs for organic farming. MP, Sh. M.B. Rajesh suggested on strengthening KVKs and organizing knowledge seminars for interaction with farmers. He said, organizing such educational awareness programme will help in creating awareness about various aspects related to Agriculture.
He suggested KVKs may encourage Agricultural clubs which will see participation of students from various school and colleges for creating awarnace.
Shri Singh expressed that seminars be organized twice a year in KVKs in MPs presence. To improve productivity levels of various crops, the Government is giving priority to save our natural resources like soil and water and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana to improve soil health and achieve more crop production per drop of water.
MP Dr. Tapas Mandal spoke about uniform guidelines/system in running of KVKs. MP Shri Manashankar Ninama spoke about the role of KVK in the area of organic farming and Vermi-Compost.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh, thanked all the members for the valuable suggestions.