- ‘Harnessing Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences’
Dr. Parveen Kumar
Another groundbreaking initiative of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), the four days National Agriculture Summit & Kisan Mela commences today at its Main Campus, Chatha. Under the dynamic leadership of a visionary, Prof. B. N. Tripathi Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and humble guidance of Prof. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension; this four days long mega farm event of leading farm university of the country will culminate on Nov. 23.
Universities can’t afford to be insensitive to changing local and global scenario, they have to take a leading role in societal transformation and especially those associated with agriculture need to take effective steps to ensure societal transformation. This is because agriculture is a vital component having major contribution in economy, employment generation and ultimately in ensuring livelihood security. New interventions and technologies in agriculture and allied sectors have to be disseminated among the farming communities for their subsequent adoption and ultimate benefit to the end users. A World Bank study reveals that agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty. Agriculture in 2050 will need to produce almost 50 percent more food, feed and bio-fuel than it did in 2012. Growth in agriculture sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest compared to other sectors. Farm varisties have the mandate of research, extension and teaching. The output of research in the shape of various technologies is practically of no use until it is extended to those for whom it is being done. Extension thus plays a major role in carrying out research to the farmers’ fields. The major extension activities of the universities include lying out Front Line Demonstrations, diagnostic visits, farm and weather related advisories, field visits and field days, exposure visits etc. Among all the extension activities, Kisan Mela is an effective and a potent tool for societal transformation. It is an organized educational activity, a mass communication method for involving and educating farmers, scientists, extension workers, input agencies, developmental departments, non governmental agencies and all other relevant stakeholders. The event is usually held at an agriculturally important educational, research or extension centre.
Continuing with a very important and vital farm tradition, SKUAST-J is also hosting Annadata (Farmers) and all other relevant stakeholders in its four days event scheduled from Nov. 20-23. The theme of thee four days National Agriculture Summit & Kisan Mela ‘Harnessing Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences’ focuses on the role of new technologies in development of from and allied sectors. At the same time, it also underscores the need of adopting sustainable practices so that the effect of various factors which threaten the planet can be reversed or at least minimized. It will show case ground breaking initiatives, cutting edge solutions to most of the pressing problems the farm sector is presently witnessing. It will at the same time provide a platform to all the relevant stakeholders to come together, engage in discussions and gain insights about best farming practices and update their knowledge about various government policies and programmes. This national level event will witness the participation of farmers, farm women, students, youths, entrepreneurs, private players, and input dealers, officers/officials from line departments and financial institutions and of different agencies from all across the country. With the SKUAST-Jammu having important MoUs with leading foreign universities, international participation is also expected in the summit. Organized with the active collaboration of all its faculties, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, research institutes and all the constituent units of the University, it is expected that the mela will witness a footfall of many thousands.
The summit will focus on sustainable agriculture. Our traditional practices have already adversely affected our environment adversely. All the focus is now on sustainable agriculture practices. The four day event will specially focus on sustainable agricultural practices and approaches like Organic and Natural Farming. The present government is also focusing a lot on Natural farming as is evident from the Union Budget 2024. In the next 2 years, one crore farmers will be initiated into natural farming supported by certification and branding. The summit will focus on technologies demonstrating the organic inputs like Bio fertilizers, Bio-control agents, bio organic nutrient management, organic waste treatment and microbial preparations like Bijamrita, and Jeevamrita. The mela will have all kinds of inputs and farm implements which can be purchased by all. Many input dealers and private agencies will be there displaying their products and inputs. Farmers of the region including farm women and youths who have earned a name through development of various products/technologies/practices will also be a part of this mela depicting and showcasing their innovations. Shri Anna i. e Millets called as ‘Super Foods’ and ‘Food of Future’ will also be an important feature of this summit. This Mela will specially focus on this aspect wherein various ethnic value added food products made from different traditional crops including millets will be at display. The country has become the Startup capital of world with so many startups coming up in agriculture and allied sectors. The startups have an important role in employment and income generation. This mela will also give an opportunity to the young entrepreneurs to depict their business models and prototypes.
Lack of awareness about different government schemes is an important constraint for the farming community to avail the benefits of these schemes. SKUAST-Jammu has taken special care of this. To ensure that the farming community becomes aware of all schemes related to them, different development departments as well as financial institutions like NABARD, J&K Bank, SBI, JKEDA and many other organizations will be there to guide and aware all. The farming community will be able to avail the benefits by on spot registration.
Today agriculture is undergoing a digital revolution. The Mela will focus on smart farming tools and technologies by displaying smart agriculture technologies like precision farming and agricultural drones. The Farmers’-Scientist interface will provide an opportunity to the farming community to interact with concerned expert for immediate redressal of their querries. Hybrid and high yielding livestock including cattles, goats and sheep will also be star attraction of mela. Different collective organizations i. e Self Help groups/Farmer Producer Companies and Farmer Producer Organizations will also participate in this event with various kinds of niche products they have developed. Students from different educational institutes of the region will also be attending the mela to learn more about agriculture. The innovative farmers/farm women/young entrepreneur/students who have made significant and tangible contributions to the society will be recognized in the Mela through various awards. The health check up services will also be a part of the mela.
There will be sessions on Agri Startups and Agri-preneurship, Farm Mechanization, Digital Agriculture, Precision Farming, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Agriculture, Livestock management, Use of Drones in Agriculture, Empowering women in Agriculture, Hi-Tech Agriculture, Industry-Academia Linkages, Post-harvest processing and Value addition, Marketing opportunities and Development of Market linkages. Besides dog show, cattle show, flower show, vegetable show and poultry show will also be an added attraction of this event wherein animal lovers can participate with their pets and win exciting prizes.
Research studies reveal that despite various ICT tools for information dissemination, melas continue to be a significant mode of transfer of technology owing to many advantages. The main purpose of organizing such Kisan Mela is to create awareness among farming communities and their sensitization on important issues so as to enhance technology adoption rate. The four days event will be a unique opportunity for all where in SKUAST-Jammu will be demonstrating sustainable technologies/practices and products; the others stakeholders will have the opportunity to come and learn, engage, update, build and expand their business through this platform.
(The author writes on agriculture and social issues).