Virtual Orientation Training Programme for Newly Recruited Subject Matter Specialists of KVKs organized

3 - 5 May, 2021

The ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra and Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat jointly organized a “Virtual Orientation Training Programme for Newly Recruited Subject Matter Specialists of KVKs” for Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa from 3rd to 5th May, 2021.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR urged the newly joined SMSs to be fully equipped with all sorts of available information and technologies. He highlighted the importance of economics-oriented activities and its linkage with proper marketing channels for higher profits. The DDG stressed that the demonstration of the technologies and their up-scaling to full potential should go parallel. Dr. Singh emphasized on the need for adopting the diversification in the area for reducing the risk of sole crop production and securing the livelihood of farmers.

 Virtual Orientation Training Programme for Newly Recruited Subject Matter Specialists of KVKs organized  Virtual Orientation Training Programme for Newly Recruited Subject Matter Specialists of KVKs organized

Dr. K.B. Kathiria, Vice-Chancellor, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat encouraged the SMSs of KVKs for updating their knowledge and working more closely with the Agricultural Universities for new released varieties and technologies. Dr. Kathiria emphasized on popularizing the useful technologies to the end users.

Dr. Randhir Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR urged the KVKs for orienting the SMSs to take new responsibilities with effective implementation at farmers’ fields. Dr. Singh also accentuated on fully orienting the newly recruited SMSs to work in collaboration with the other disciplines and making the KVK more vibrant in the District as the highest ranking Agricultural Institution.

Dr. K.D. Kokate, Former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR highlighted the contribution of agriculture in the economy. He urged the SMSs for developing their skills in agriculture and allied sectors.

In his valedictory address, Dr. V.M. Bhale, Vice-Chancellor, PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra advised the SMSs for working on the line of developing strategies for doubling the farmers’ income and securing their livelihoods. Dr. Bhale emphasized on reducing the yield gaps in the various crops.

Dr. Lakhan Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune, Maharashtra outlined the overview and the need of the training programme for the newly recruited SMSs. Dr. Singh urged the KVK Scientists for having in-depth knowledge of technology, ability of working as coworkers, creating instructional farms as a model, vigilant on disease / pest outbreaks, etc.

The senior officials of ICAR and its Institutes along with the State Agricultural Universities also virtually participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra)