Minister pledges support to strengthen Agri sector
Itanagar, Sep 25: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, in collaboration with the Directorate of Agriculture, Naharlagun, inaugurated its "Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)" today at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall, Itanagar, which saw participation from KVKs across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim.
The event was graced by Minister Agriculture, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, who warmly welcomed the participants to the state, thanking ICAR for selecting Itanagar, the state capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, as the host city. In his address, he underscored the vital role of KVKs in bridging the gap between agricultural research and the grassroots farming community, especially in the challenging agro-climatic conditions of the Northeast.
“KVKs play an essential role in bridging the gap between farmers and the modern technologies developed by research organisations,” he said.
Highlighting the historical success of Arunachal Orange, the Minister reflected on the challenges faced by local farmers due to disease outbreaks that devastated orange plantations, prompting a shift towards arecanut and oil palm cultivation. “KVKs must act as vital conduits for the dissemination of suitable technologies to help farmers navigate these challenges,” he urged.
The workshop aims not only to recognize the strides made by KVKs but also to set the course for future initiatives, particularly in integrated agriculture. The Minister proposed leveraging the region's abundant water resources for combined ventures in fishery and livestock farming alongside crop production, thus diversifying income streams for farmers and mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices.
In a call to action, he urged KVKs to focus on post-harvest management, emphasizing that training plans should encompass essential skills for prolonging the shelf life of produce and improving marketability. “We must adapt our action plans to reflect shifting crop preferences driven by climate change,” he remarked, signaling a shift towards more resilient agricultural practices.
The Minister also took the opportunity to express concerns about the disparities faced by KVK staff, particularly those affiliated with state government departments. He called for equitable remuneration to prevent demoralization and to ensure that all agricultural workers are adequately equipped to serve the farming community.
As part of the inaugural session, the Minister released the ISO Certificate for ICAR ATARI, Zone VI, showcased a collection of agricultural products from diverse tribes of Arunachal, and launched the Traditional Indigenous Village Knowledge Bank and a mobile app to facilitate the sharing of local agricultural knowledge.
The Minister also visited an exhibition featuring agricultural products from various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim, showcasing the region's rich agricultural diversity and potential for expansion.
Several dignitaries were present during the event, including Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director of ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Dr. P. Murugesan, Director of NIRD & PR, Dr. Ranjit Sharma, DEE, CAU Imphal, and many esteemed scientists and experts from the agricultural field.