XII Biennial National KVK Conference-2022 concludes at YSPUHF, Solan
2nd June 2022 Ludhiana
The 12th Biennial National KVK Conference-2022 on “Sustainable Agricultural Production System” concluded on 2nd June 2022 at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The Conference was organised during 1-2 June 2022 in which more than 1200 delegates participated from 731 KVKs, Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, ICAR, etc.
The conference was inaugurated virtually by Sh Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. In his address, he asked the KVK scientists and famers to increase the use of technology to increase the productivity but at the same time minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. He also emphasized to decrease cost of farm production.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sh. Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Guest of the conference informed the delegates that over 1.71 lakh farmers of the state have adopted natural farming under the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana started by him. He stressed that he is moving towards making the state a natural farming destination in the coming 15 years.
Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat said that the natural farming is the need of the hour to improve the soil health, increase farm production and improve the economy of the farmers. He illustrated the advantages of natural faming in details and asked the KVK scientists to work on it and disseminate the same amongst farmers.
The second day of the conference covered different technical sessions, which focused on themes like Precision Agriculture, Diversification & Intensification; Natural Farming for Sustainable Agriculture; and Successful Interventions and Experiences of KVKs & Young Entrepreneurs Facilitating KVKs in Management, Administrative & Financial Matters. Dr. T. Mohapatra, DG ICAR and Secretary DARE; Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG (Ag. Ext.), ICAR; and Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, YSPUHF, Solan chaired different sessions.
DDGs/ADGs of different divisions of ICAR presented about the recent technological developments in agricultural and allied research for promoting sustainable agriculture at farmers’ fields. Other speakers/farmers/experts shared their experiences of adopting natural farming and organic farming for ensuring sustainable production systems. Similarly, different young agri-preneurs shared their venture ideas and business models that can be replicated by farmers in other areas of the country. Likewise, various issues concerning functioning of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were deliberated at length to find practical solutions.
During the address, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh expressed that India has blindly followed foreign models of development and never trusted indigenous practices and knowledge. Whereas, we should be seeking solutions to different problems within our traditions and culture instead of looking at other countries. While highlighting natural farming in Himachal Pradesh, he hoped that the ‘Dev Bhoomi’ can also become ‘Prerana Bhoomi’ for agriculture. He stressed that Hon’ble Prime Minister of India looks up to KVKs and trust them in his mission of doubling farmers’ income. Finally, he urged KVKs to become “Centers of Excellence” on natural farming across the country.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, who joined the program virtually, termed KVKs as the pillars of agricultural growth and prosperity in India. While highlighting different priority areas of agriculture and allied sector, he asked DG, ICAR to develop KVKs as the Agri-drone Centres.
Earlier, Shri Kailash Chaoudhary, Hon’ble MoS, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare talked about his own experience of visiting farmers practicing natural farming and said that the smile of the faces of farmers shows their satisfaction with the practice. He emphasized the need to promote natural farming and called for youth to engage in agripreneurial activities for enhancing incomes.
Dr. T. Mohapratra, DG ICAR and Secretary DARE, in his address, highlighted the achievements of ICAR in making India independent in food production and the KVK’s role in increasing pulses and oilseeds production and reducing dependence on imports. He urged KVKs to act in convergence mode with line departments; research institutes and other stakeholders and set ground for another revolution in Indian agriculture.
The conference concluded with a promise that farmers across the country to be enabled and supported to adopt sustainable agricultural practices through principles of natural/organic farming and KVKs would be the drivers of positive change.
The highlight of the conference was field visits of delegates at farmers’ field who are practicing natural farming on 1st day of the conference.
