Review Workshop of KVKs of ATARI Zone VIII on newly introduced programmes in KVKs and Interaction meeting with DEEs of SAUs in the Zone

4^th May 2023, Pune

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Pune organized a Review Workshop of KVKs of ATARI Zone VIII (Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa) on newly introduced programmes in KVKs and Interaction meeting with DEEs of SAUs in the Zone today at ICAR-ATARI, Pune.

The Chief Guest, Dr. U. S. Gautam, DDG (Agril Extn), ICAR, New Delhi briefed the key role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the progress of agriculture. He urged the KVKs to develop policy papers based on the findings at the ground level. He also exhorted to develop KVK as Single Window Knowledge Resource and Capacity development system. Dr Gautam emphasized that every three years, recommendations on the package of practices must be updated. He accentuated the importance of updating the KVK activities on Kisan Sarathi, KVK portal, and Darpan portal on a regular basis.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Guest of Honor, Vice-Chancellor, RLBCAU, Jhansi highlighted the role of KVKs in implementing various activities in agriculture and allied sectors. He also stressed on various aspects like the convergence model, efficient utilization of drones, geo-tagging experiments, and Crop Cafeteria at KVKs.

Dr. S. K. Roy, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune in his welcome address emphasized the importance of the review meeting in enabling the interaction between DEEs, KVKs, and ATARI. He highlighted the role of KVKs and ATARI in implementing the projects on Drone, Natural Farming and urged to reach the large number of farmers through KVKs.

The Directors of Extension Education from SAUs of the zone made presentations on monitoring and reviewing of KVKs, technological backstopping, HRD programmes, the status of infrastructure and staff position at KVKs and other important activities during the workshop.

The Heads, SMSs, and other KVK staff from 82 KVKs of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa were present in Hybrid mode.

A total of more than 150 participants attended the workshop.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune)