Annual Review Workshop of KVK, Zone-VIII Organized

12th July 2013, Pathanamathitta

The Annual Review Workshop 2012-13 of KVKs, Zone VIII was organized at CARD-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pathanamathitta from 9th July to 12th July 2013. The mandated activities of 81 KVKs from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Puduchery and Goa were reviewed during the workshop.

Dr. R.R. Hanchinal, Chairman, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV& FRA), Government of India inaugurated the workshop. In his address, Dr. Hanchinal stressed upon the potential of the PPV & FRA act and said that KVKs should act as resource and knowledge centre to make farmers aware of their rights and prospects as per the act. He also mentioned that the Authority would come forward with financial assistance for undertaking such capacity building programmes. Dr. Hanchinal expressed his concern over loss of more than 70 % traditional varieties. He also informed that PPV & FRA has been giving awards for recognizing outstanding efforts in conservation of plant varieties.

In his address Dr. K.D. Kokate, Deputy Director General (Extension), ICAR highlighted the achievement of the KVK in uplifting the farming community in the district. He also urged the Directors of Extension from SAUs to have personal involvement in KVK activities.

On this occasion, Dr. S. Prabhu Kumar, Zonal Project Director, Zone VIII; Rt. Rev. Dir. ISAAC Mar Philoxenos, Chairman of CARD-KVK, Pathanathitta also presented their valuable remarks. During the event dignitaries released the Kozhikode District Inventory of Agriculture brought out by KVK, Kozhikode, Kerala, Video documentary on Sustainable Mushroom Production System in Pathanamthitta district and Pongamia and Neem Soap Formulations brought out by KVK, Pathanmathitta.

(Source: ZPD, Zone-VIII)