The Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week (KSSW), organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ri Bhoi, culminated today with a Farmers’ Fair-cum-Exhibition at the ICAR-KVK Campus. The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in India, highlighting its contributions to transforming the agricultural landscape.
Held from March 17th to 21st, KSSW aimed to empower farmers with the latest agricultural innovations, promote sustainable farming practices, and strengthen collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the farming community.
Key Highlights & Dignitaries:
The exhibition was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Damanbait Lamare, Member of the Legislative Assembly (12-Umroi Constituency, Meghalaya). He commended KVK’s five-decade-long impact on agriculture and urged farmers to leverage institutions like ICAR and KVK to enhance their livelihoods.
Guest of Honor, Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VII, Umiam, emphasized the role of KVKs in knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Reflecting on the establishment of the first KVK in Pondicherry in 1974, he encouraged district officers to incorporate KVK-tested technologies into state action plans for the benefit of farmers. He also highlighted the remarkable growth in food grain production, from 50 million tonnes in 1950 to over 300 million tonnes in 2024, facilitated by the 731 KVKs across the country.
Emphasis on Research & Agripreneurship:
Chairing the program, Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, underscored the importance of research-driven farming solutions for sustainable agriculture and water conservation. He encouraged the youth to pursue agripreneurship, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047.
Participation & Coordination:
The event witnessed participation from around 200 farmers, officials, and scientists from various organizations. The program was coordinated by Jessica Dohtdong, Technical Officer.