The Annual Zonal Workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of ICAR–Agricultural Technology
Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone-I for the year 2024–25 concluded successfully at Sher-
e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) on
December 24, 2025.
Dr. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, graced the valedictory session as the Chief
Guest. Dr. Randhir Singh, Assistant Director General (Extension), ICAR, and Dr. M. K. Verma,
Director, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, were the Guests of Honour.
Eminent academicians Dr. J. P. Sharma, Former Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and Dr. P. K.
Sharma, Former Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, attended the programme as Special Guests.
The three-day workshop (December 22–24) brought together key stakeholders of agricultural research
and extension from across northern India to review performance, share best practices, and chart future
strategies for strengthening farmer-centric extension services. Addressing the gathering, Prof. B. N.
Tripathi congratulated the organizers for the meticulous planning and successful conduct of the
workshop, and emphasized the pivotal role of KVKs in bridging the gap between research laboratories
and farmers’ fields. He underscored the need for need-based, location-specific technologies, effective
use of ICT tools, and stronger convergence with line departments and farmer producer organizations
to enhance impact at the grassroots level.
Dr. Randhir Singh highlighted the strategic importance of KVKs in accelerating technology
dissemination, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and enhancing farmers’ income through
diversification, value addition, and entrepreneurship. Dr. M. K. Verma stressed the importance of
integrating horticulture-based interventions, especially in temperate and sub-temperate regions, to
address emerging challenges of climate variability and market competitiveness.
Dr Parvinder Sheoran presented the conference report and recommendations for the policy framework
during the valedictory session.
Dr Amrish Vaid Director Extension SKUAST J formally welcomed all the Chief guests, Dignitaries
and participants during the session.
Awards were also given to Best performing KVK of North Zone. The workshop was attended by
Directors of Extension of State Agricultural Universities, Programme Coordinators of KVKs,
scientists, and extension professionals from Zone-I states and Union Territories. Deliberations during
the three-day event focused on reviewing KVK performance, approving action plans for the coming
year, and formulating region-specific strategies to strengthen agricultural extension systems and
improve farmer livelihoods. Emphasis was laid on natural and organic farming, promotion of millets
and pulses, agri-entrepreneurship development, gender mainstreaming, and effective monitoring and
evaluation of extension programmes.
The workshop concluded with a collective resolve to further enhance the effectiveness of KVKs as the
frontline extension system of ICAR, ensuring timely delivery of technologies and services to farmers
for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in the region.
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