Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jammu working under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu organized “Interface Meeting on Organic Basmati” for all stakeholders in value chain. Prof. J. P. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu was chief guest on the occasion whereas Dr. Naveen Prakash Singh, Chairman Commission of Agriculture Cost and Prices, was special guest of honour. Dr. Rajbir Singh, Director ATARI Zone I, Dr. S. K. Gupta, Director Extension SKUAST-Jammu, DDC’s of Bishnah, R.S. Pura and Miran Sahab were Guest(s) of Honour.Speaking on the occasion Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu in his address stressed to fix the future targets on Specialty in Agriculture. He also asked the farmers to avail the benefits of PARWAAZ Scheme launched by J&K Union Territory to export the high value perishable commodities to any part of India and abroad.
Prof. Sharma also said that Farmers’ Producer Organizations will be the next Game changer in history of Agriculture. During his address, he also informed that newly released three basmati varieties by SKUAST-Jammu viz Jammu basmati 118, Jammu basmati 123 and Jammu basmati 138 are short duration having similar aroma with respect to basmati 370. He also stressed on Post Harvest management, Processing, Value addition, marketing and branding of the farmer’s produce for making the agriculture more profitable. Vice Chancellor also appreciated the efforts of KVK Jammu and said that the interface meeting will definitely be fruitful. Dr. Naveen Prakash Singh, Chairman Commission of Agriculture Cost and Prices stressed upon water management and for reducing unit cost of Basmati cultivation for increasing profits. He said farmers to work on four dimensions viz. production, packaging, marketing and trading to achieve the dream of Doubling Farmer’s Income. During his address he stressed upon GI tagging of Jammu Organic Basmati Rice and under this umbrella to reach for Jammu food approach. Dr. Rajbir Singh applauds the role of SKUAST-Jammu and especially KVK Jammu for organizing such interface meeting and during his address he credited the path of prosperity to R S Pura because of mother of all Basmaties i.e Basmati 370. He said climate smart and resilient agriculture is the need of the hour. Dr. Singh also talked about management of basmati pesticidal residue for export of basmati. Prof. S. K. Gupta, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu appreciated the efforts of KVK Jammu conducting such type of interactive meetings and made this day commemorative by signing Memorandum of Understanding with ICAR for start functioning of KVK Kishtwar, one of the three newly sanctioned KVKs. At the outset, Dr. Punit Choudhary, Sr. Scientist and Head, KVK Jammu welcomed the dignitaries and farmers to the programme and thanked ICAR ATARI for choosing KVK Jammu to organize Interface meeting. He also briefed about organic basmati scenario of Jammu region. During the event different basmati varieties of SKUAST-Jammu were also displayed by KVK Jammu at the technology park established in KVK, Jammu. BDC members, Sarpanch and Panch of Miran Sahib, R. S. Pura, Bishnah etc were also present during the occasion.
Dr. R. K. Salgotra, Coordinator School of Biotechnology, Dr. Amrish Vaid,, Professor & Head Division of Plant Pathology, Sh. A. S. Reen Joint Director (Marketing), J&K, Sh. Bahadur Ram, IFFCO Area Marketing Manager, Jammu and Dr. Gayatri Tondon Marketing officer, Sarveshwar Basmati also putforth their views during the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Dr, Vinod Gupta Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Sr Scientist and Head of KVK Samba and Kathua, respectively, Dr Prem Kumar, Dr Muneeshwar Sharma, Dr Amitesh Sharma were also present on the occasion Programme was conducted by Dr. Sheetal Badyal scientist Home Science where as programme concluded with vote of thanks by Dr Ravneet Kour of KVK Jammu.
