Dr Sanjeev Balyan, minister of state for agriculture and food processing industries and Dr S Ayyappan, director general, ICAR at the workshop
The minister of state for agriculture and food processing industries, Dr Sanjeev Balyan, has appreciated Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for carrying the technologies to the farmers and shared that KVK scientists have to work not only as scientists but also as social change agents.
While addressing the KVK-Interface Workshop on 'Intervention in Tribal Areas and Enhancing efficiency', the minister said that ICAR is playing an important role in the agricultural development of the country.
"They have to work hard for the development of entrepreneurs in the villages so that rural youth are retained in agriculture and these entrepreneurial activities should be linked with the market for sustenance," said Dr Balyan. He also interacted with the participants to get suggestions for the improvement of the efficiency of the present system. He also visited the exhibition organized by KVKs on the occasion.
Dr S Ayyappan, secretary, DARE and director general, ICAR welcomed the dignitaries and stated that the KVK system is a 40-year-old district level institution and presently, there are 639 KVKs working under the administrative setup of SAUs, ICAR Institutes, NGOs, and state governments. He highlighted that KVKs have been reorganized as an important platform for the transfer of technologies to farmers. He also shared his concern on the constrains that need to be addressed. He asked KVKs to develop a "Passion for technology and compassion for farmers". Vice Chancellors, DDGs, ADGs, directors, NGO heads and program coordinators of the KVKs also participated in the workshop.
The interface workshop was organized by division of agricultural extension of ICAR.
(Source: Agricultural Extension. Division, ICAR)
