In the ongoing Krishi Mela -2022 organized by SKUAST- Jammu a seed conference was held to highlight the importance of quality seeds and create awareness among the masses for its utility and the role of university in providing seeds to the farmers. Dr. Amrish Vaid, Nodal officer, Mega Seed Project SKUAST-Jammu in his welcome address highlighted that the university produces 1500q of seed at university farms and KVKs though the active involvement of line departments. Prof. Pradeep Sharma, Former Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu appreciated the seed programme being run by the university in close coordination with the line departments. Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu applauded the role of seed scientists in the university to provide primarily the seed of cereals and pulses to the farmers. On this occasion a MoU was signed between SKUAST- Jammu and IIWBR, Karnal regarding seed production. Ms. Mandeep Kour, IAS, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Rural Development Jammu, informed about the start-ups of GoI specially the Village entrepreneurship programme which provides financial assistance to the farmers which is required to connect entrepreneurs to market.
Dr. S.D.S. Jamwal, IPS, ADGP, discussed the role of disease and insect resistance and storage of seeds. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, ICAR-IISR, discussed increase in varietal replacement rate and adoption of quality seeds. Dr. D.K. Srivastava, Deputy Commissioner (QC), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GOI, discussed the parameters of seed quality, certification of seeds, legal instruments and quality regulation for genetically modified crops. Sh. A.S. Reen, Joint director (Inputs), Department of Agriculture Jammu highlighted the use of open pollinated seeds, types of seed production and the necessity of seed replacement in various crops. Sh. Sanjeev Kumar from Sahara Jagriti Manch highlighted the importance of NGOs in women welfare through agriculture specially seed production. Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Bikram Singh, Dean Faculty of Agriculture who assured the house that the seed programme would be strengthen in the times to come. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Pawan Sharma.
An impressive dog show was also organized in which the show was graced by Dr. MC Sharma, Ex Director IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareli (UP) as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honors were Professor J.P.Sharma, VC SKUAST Jammu, Mrs. Mandeep Kaur , IAS, secretary, Rural Development Department UT of J&K, Dr. S.D.Jamwal, IPS, ADGP Security UT of J&K.
More than 100 dogs of 23 dog breeds were registered for the participation. Overall championship went to breed German Shepherd namely Veer belonging to Lucky’s dog farm. The most attractive dog of the show was the breed Tibetan Mastiff namely Bruno of Mr. Rajesh Nanda. In the category of best puppy, pups of Mr Divyansh and Shubham Dubey got joint prize. Special jury award was given to Coco and Crackie Crackie jointly of Mrs. Aditi Sharma and Sushant Sharma. The dog show was judged by the leading practitioners of Jammu namely Dr. P. S Bindra, Dr.Bhanu Kirti Khajuria Dr. Shahnawaj Khan, Dr. Sunit Sharma, Dr. Raman Sharma Dr. Anmol Khajuria and Dr. Ravinder Singh. Dr. J.S. Soodan, Head Veterinary Clinical Complex RS Pura was the convenor of the dog show whereas Dr. Ashok Kumar was the co convenor. The dog show was wholeheartedly supported by leading Pet pharmaceutical and feed companies namely Vetoquinol India Animal Health Pvt. Ltd, Wazir Traders (Nanak Nagar), Wiggles.in, Drools pet food, The Himalaya wellness, AIMIL pharmaceuticals, Mars international India Pvt. Ltd. Besides, flower show was another attraction of the day in which 200 entries were registered. Exhibition on application of drone technology in agriculture and cultural programme by Sewa Bharti, Jammu were also organized. Besides, large number of farmers, school children and university students enthusiastically participated in rural sports viz., kabbadi, tug of war, volleyball, short put etc. in which the winners were awarded.
