Union Agriculture Minister inaugurated the 28th Regional Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the 28th regional workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Monday. On this occasion, Tomar said that under the successful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is working on priority for the progress of village-poor-kisan-farmer. Many schemes have been started in this direction. In order to develop village-village infrastructure across the country, a total package of more than 1.5 lakh crore rupees has been started in the self-reliant India campaign, including an agricultural infrastructure fund of one lakh crore rupees. Meetings are held every week in the ministry for its progress. Similarly, Rs.6,850 crore. Concrete steps like the scheme of formation of 10 thousand new FPOs and the new agricultural reform law for the empowerment of farmers are going to give prosperity to agriculture, they will prove to be a milestone in agricultural development. 86 percent small-medium farmers will be strengthened through them, which will also increase the strength of the country. Chief guest, Union Minister Tomar said that even in times of Corona crisis, KVK scientists, in collaboration with Information-Communication Techniques and Agriculture Department, are benefitting the farmers through proper techniques, which is commendable. For the development of animal wealth and fisheries. Also our KVKs are working with full zeal and are working for sustainable progress of agriculture and all allied sectors and to increase the income of farmers. At present 723 KVKs are run by units of ICAR, NGOs and State Agricultural Universities. Which is going to help the farmers a lot. MP Under Attari, Jabalpur And there are 81 KVKs in Chhag. Out of 81, 28 are in Chhattisgarh, out of which 7 are in Naxal-affected areas. He congratulated all the scientists and other staff for the smooth functioning of KVKs in the midst of all the challenges here. He said that all these wings are working with great responsibility to double the income of the farmers. The KVK teams are working well in the districts and villages and playing an important role as a major source of technical support and timely information in the implementation of various agricultural programs in collaboration with the agriculture related departments.

Tomar said that mainly pulses, wheat and soybean from Madhya Pradesh and paddy from Chhattisgarh have a significant contribution in the total production of the country. It is a matter of satisfaction that the productivity of pulses is being increased through KVK cluster front line demonstration and seed hub. Out of 60 lakh hectares of soybean crop in the state, productivity is being increased by water conservation by using raised bed technology on about 35 lakh hectares, while Kadaknath poultry farming is being done in 25 states and abroad due to the efforts of KVK. Also in demand. Tomar said that in order to make these centers more useful and modern, important units like integrated farming system, advanced seed production and processing, water harvesting and micro irrigation have been established. He urged for full cooperation from the state governments in this, which will further benefit the agriculture sector.

He said that soil health plays an important role in the progress of agriculture and it is a matter of happiness that as per the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, KVKs are distributing cards to the farmers regarding soil testing and the use of nutrients according to the crops. They are being benefited by mentoring, demonstration and training. It is also a matter of happiness that attracting youth towards farming, a new project- Arya MP-CG is being run by Attari, Jabalpur in 12 KVKs, under which processing, mushroom and lac production, nursery management More than 700 youth have set up enterprises in Adi. The ‘Farmer First’ project at Attari, Jabalpur is being run by three institutes and four universities. Along with this, Mera Gaon-Mera Gaurav program is also being run by 5 universities and 5 other institutes of MP-CG. To increase the availability of seeds of pulse crops, Seed Hub program is being operated by KVK in 15 districts.

Tomar said that KVK has an important role in discharging the responsibility of women empowerment by promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture through women’s program, development of agriculture and entrepreneurship in tribal dominated areas through capacity program, value addition of employment-oriented regional products through Vatika program. Due to Corona, we all have to work on digital platform and Digital Literacy, Marketing and Artificial Intelligence, Mechanization Learning is the need of the day, Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be strengthened and modernized in this direction. The need is felt to make the programs effective. Keeping in mind the need of the hour, special trainings are also being organized by KVKs on organic and traditional farming.

On this occasion, Union Minister Atomer released various publications and laid the foundation stone of Soyabean Seed Hub Warehouse at KVK, Govind Nagar, Hoshangabad.