�Krishi Unnati Mela: Seminars and conferences highlights on day 2�

‘Krishi Unnati Mela: Seminars and conferences highlights on day 2’

‘Krishi Unnati Mela’ a National Level Agriculture Fair-cum-Exhibition, is organised jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi at Indian Agriculture Research Institute from March 19-21, 2016. In continuum to technical seminar on ‘PM Fasal Bima Yojana’ held on day 1 of ‘Krishi unnati Mela’, followed second day that featured number of seminars that involved brainstorming sessions and information dissemination along with farmers’ participation in it. These seminars that involved Scientist–Farmer interaction were webcasted so as large number of farmers can be benefitted. Following are major themes and subjects of these seminars that involved panel of experts of respective subject matter:

Technical Session II chaired by Dr. N. K. Krishna Kumar, DDG (Hort.), ICAR was held on ‘Integrated Farming System (Horticulture and Fisheries) and Government Schemes’. Vegetable based Integrated Farming System, Fruit and agro-forestry based Integrated Farming System, Integrated Farming and Fresh water, Brackish, Marine Fishery and related schemes, Farmer-led Business model of Fishery are some of the major issues discussed at seminar.

Technical Session III chaired by Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, Niti Ayog, GoI was held on ‘Agricultural Marketing and Government Schemes’. National Agricultural Marketing scheme, Market-led production and processing of Horticultural crops, Market-led production and processing system for dairy, fish and meat, and Farmer-led Business models are the issues discussed, followed up by Q & A session.

Technical Session IV chaired by Dr. A.K.Singh, DDG Extension, ICAR, New Delhi focussed on Farmer–Scientist Interaction. Sessions on Agrarian challenges and Participatory pathways, National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology, ICT initiatives in agriculture, this was followed up by Panel discussion on modern agro-technologies and service delivery approaches.

Technical Session V chaired by Shri A V J Prasad, JS(LH), DAHD&F was held on ‘Integrated Farming System (Crop-Livestock) and Government Schemes’ It involved issues of Integrated Farming System- Approaches and Technologies, Dairy based Integrated Farming System, Pashu Poshan, Small ruminants and Backyard Piggery based Integrated Farming System Poultry based Integrated Farming System, also Government schemes for dairy based enterprises/interventions.

Technical Session VI chaired by Addl. Secretary, MoFPI was held on ‘Processing and Value Addition and Government Schemes’. Technologies for Farm Gate Primary Processing, Processed products based enterprises, processed product development at cottage level (MSME) & related schemes, Opportunities in Food processing enterprises, and Government Schemes for scaling up for industries and export of processed products are the topics highlighted at the seminar.

Technical Session VII chaired by Dr JS Samra, EX CEO National Rainfed Area Authority and Ex DDG (Natural Resource Management), ICAR was held on ‘PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana’. Enhancing water use efficiency through precision irrigation was the theme emphasised and it was followed up by Q& A session that involved farmers, stakeholders and panellists.

Technical Session VIII chaired by Dr. J. S. Sandhu, DDG (CS), ICAR was held on ‘Increasing Crop Productivity and Enhancing Soil Health and Government Schemes’. Pulses for Improving Soil health and Nutritional Security, Increasing Oilseed Productivity for self reliance in edible oil, Soil Testing for balanced plant nutrition and distribution of SHC, Integrated Nutrient Management for improving soil health and crop productivity, Organic Farming, Government Initiative for enhancing Soil Health and sustainability were major topics at the seminar.

Technical Session IX chaired by Dr. A. K. Sikka, DDG (NRM), ICAR was held on ‘Management of Crop Residues & Government Schemes. Crop residue management through conservation agriculture, Technologies for conservation agriculture, Agri-waste management and renewable energy, Solar power based farm mechanization, Govt. schemes related to renewable energy and solar power are the themes highlighted at the seminar.

Technical Session X chaired by P. L. Gautam, Former Chairperson, PPVFRA was held on ‘Interaction with Innovative Farmers’. Institutional support system for harnessing and dissemination of farmers’ innovations, sharing of experiences Farmers’ innovations followed up by Question-Answer session at the seminar.