Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kathua of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of KVKs here today at KVK, Kathua.
The symbolic torch was handed over yesterday by Dr. Hema Tripathi, Associate Director Extension, SKUAST-J from KVK Samba to Chief Scientist and Head, Dr. Vishal Mahajan. The program was organized under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. B. N. Tripathi, and the able guidance of Director Extension, Prof. Amrish Vaid of SKUAST-J. To celebrate the Golden Jubilee Indian Council of Agricultural Research started a torch rally from Ladakh and the torch relay will culminate at the ICAR-KVK Golden Jubilee Conference 2024 in New Delhi, marking the grand finale of this historic celebration.
KVKs Golden Jubilee Torch reached here today at KVK, Kathua. Dr. Vishal Mahajan said that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) is celebrating Golden Jubilee of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, commemorating 50 years of dedicated service in agricultural development. He underscored the significance of the torch as an inspiration of knowledge dissemination from KVKs to all districts. Reflecting on KVKs’ essential role in agricultural technology transfer since their inception in 1974, he stressed the need to intensify KVK activities during the ‘Amrit Kaal’ to meet farmers’ aspirations.
He highlighted the importance of the event. He informed that KVK movement was started 50 years back with establishment of the first KVK at Pondicherry under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and presently there are 731 KVKs across the Country in all the districts serving as one stop solution for farmers. He said that KVKs have helped to increase the food grain production in the country. He narrated that KVKs serve has the hub of technology transfer, capacity building, vocational and skill development for farmers, market information, development of agribusiness etc. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) also known as Farm Science Centers, a gross root level scheme which was designed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the country. While discussing about the event Dr. Vishal Sharma, Scientist, KVK Kathua said that KVKs are playing a significant role in rural transformation.
Later, the ceremonial torch was handed over to Dr. Narinder Deep Singh, Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pathankot at Lakhanpur. During the event, Dr. Narinder Deep Singh, expressed confidence that the torch relay would catalyze change within KVKs, transforming them into convergence hubs for Indian agriculture, in alignment with the nation’s aspirations for 2047. The event was witnessed by the progressive farmers and the staff of both the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The Golden Jubilee Torch will now proceed to Punjab and then to Himachal Pradesh. The programme was ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Vijay Singh of KVK Kathua.