Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Tribal Affairs visits KVK Keonjhar

23rd - 24th December 2023, Keonjhar

Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Tribal Affairs visited KVK, Keonjhar and felicitated farmers during the celebration of Kisan Samman Diwas and the Farmer-Scientist Interaction programme. He was accompanied by Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Member, Legislative Assembly, Keonjhar.

The Union Minister emphasised the challenges of agriculture, particularly in rainfed conditions, and the increased responsibilities of the KVK. He exhorted that KVK Keonjhar, with guidance from ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, and OUAT, Bhubaneswar, will play a crucial role in addressing these issues improving rural communities' livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture development. The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of farmers providing for their families and boosting national wealth. He emphasised the use of advanced technologies like agricultural drones and farmer-friendly schemes and urged the farming community to take advantage of government-launched schemes, such as Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan.

Earlier Union Minister visited the different demonstrations of KVK. He also felicitated Shri Syam Sunder Mahanta for natural farming, Sabooj Banani Women FPO for mushroom production and ten progressive farmers and farm women. Also on 23rd evening, Shri Munda reviewed the various activities of the KVK for better agri-output of the region.

Shri Majhi highlighted the various programmes of the Central Government for the prosperity of farmers and the common masses. He applauded the accomplishments of KVK and its pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices.

Dr. Dey, highlighted strategic measures undertaken to elevate the research and development landscape in different remote places by ICAR during Amrit Kaal. He emphasised the role of KVK for the enhancement of livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas and transforming young people from job searchers into employment providers.

Dr. AK Nayak, Director, ICAR-NRRI, highlighted the achievements of NRRI including 180 varieties, 4S$R model, and ARORICE model for tribal farmers of Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Kandhamal and Kalahandi.

Dr. Prasanjeet Mishra, Dean of Extension, OUAT, informed about OUAT and its contribution to farmers through training, demonstration, and advisory services.

An exhibition was also organized where various technologies which are being disseminated by the KVK, Keonjhar and produce and products of FPCs/FPOs including local millet recipes were displayed.

More than 500 farmers, representatives of FPOs/FPCs, Officials, media personnel and exhibitors gathered in the programme.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata and ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack)