KARSINGSA, May 26: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju emphasized the role of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in transferring new agricultural technologies and enhancing the production and productivity of crops through farmers’ training.
Rijiju, who visited the Papum Pare KVK here on Friday, said the KVKs should provide technical support to the farmers, create awareness, build capacity, and develop farming skills to achieve the target of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022, as fixed by the government.
He said the activities taken up by the different KVKs of the state require assessment, and that farmers’ feedback is needed to frame programmes and policies according to the needs.
When informed about the constraints faced by the KVK’s staff, Rijiju suggested to the officials of the KVK to identify the most essential requirement of the kendra and submit a proposal in this regard. He assured to take up the issues with the animal husbandry, veterinary & dairy development (AHV&DD) department.
On the behalf of the AHV&DD director, Dr Taba Heli highlighted the activities of the kendra through a PowerPoint presentation. He apprised the union minister of the needs of the KVK, such as residential quarters, boundary wall, water supply, electrification, etc.
He said the KVK has been functioning since 2008 without the provision of all these basic amenities.
Guwahati-based ICAR-ATARI (Zone VI)’s Director Dr AK Tripathi presented an overview of the KVKs in Arunachal Pradesh.
Senior scientist in-charge of the KVK, Tadang Meena informed that the kendra is also an agro-textile demonstration centre which has extended support for construction of 28 agro-net sheds for farmers last year. He said 42 more agro-net sheds are being implemented this year.
Over 50 participants, including senior officers, panchayat leaders, progressive farmers and local entrepreneurs were present during the visit.
