Model to Build Youth Confidence Must Be Developed: Dr. Dheer Singh
Nation Now Needs a Marketing Revolution: Dr. Pratap Singh
Over 150 Agricultural Scientists from Across the Country Participating

Udaipur. The three-day regional review workshop of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi began on Wednesday at the Directorate of Extension Education, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur. The workshop aims to evaluate the functioning, challenges, and innovations of KVKs while strengthening their contribution to Indian agriculture and rural development.

Delivering the inaugural address as Chief Guest, Dr. Dheer Singh, Director of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), emphasized that every KVK must identify and address local agricultural problems to remain relevant and effective. He said that India’s KVKs have made invaluable contributions to farmers’ progress, but the time has come to focus on solutions tailored to regional challenges through collaboration among universities, laboratories, and researchers.

Dr. Singh urged scientists to create models that instill confidence in rural youth and encourage them to take up agriculture as a career. He highlighted that while India’s milk production has increased from 17 million to 240 million tons, there is still a lack of attractive models or technologies to engage the youth. He stressed that KVKs should develop practical models in areas like dairy production, animal feed management, and marketing systems to connect with the younger generation.

He noted that the NDRI has developed 144 technologies, and KVKs should actively take them to farmers to build self-reliance. Dr. Singh also suggested that KVKs embrace Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to ensure their sustainable growth.

Presiding over the program, Dr. Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, said that farmers are the primary stakeholders of the agricultural system. He emphasized the need for KVKs to also review administrative, financial, and operational issues during such workshops. He called for a fresh evaluation of the MoU between ICAR and universities, suggesting that policies should be flexible enough to implement at the grassroots level for farmers’ empowerment.

Dr. Singh further stated that after the Green, White, and Digital revolutions, India now needs a Marketing Revolution. In today’s digital era, farmers are learning not only through KVKs but also through social media, YouTube, WhatsApp, and NGOs. Hence, strengthening KVKs with proper infrastructure and resources is essential for their effective functioning.

Dr. M.M. Adhikari, Former Vice Chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, West Bengal, said that KVKs play a crucial role in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Developed India 2047. He suggested that KVKs adopt villages under the Smart Village Initiative and implement key technologies to help neighboring farmers learn from model projects.

Dr. J.P. Mishra, Director of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Jodhpur (Zone-2), informed that the 67 KVKs functioning in the 71 districts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi have achieved remarkable progress. Zone-2, he said, is the most distinguished among the 11 zones across India, leading in the production of isabgol, cumin, and dairy products.

Dr. R.L. Soni, Director of Extension Education, highlighted that this workshop would set new benchmarks in dairy development, horticulture, and pulse production.

The inaugural session also witnessed the release of six agricultural publications, including:

  • “Advanced Technologies in Rabi Crops and Horticulture” by Dr. C.M. Balai and team.

  • “Natural Farming” by Dr. Saroj Chaudhary and team.

  • “Scientific Goat and Sheep Rearing in the Thar Desert Region of Rajasthan” by Dr. Ramniwas and team.

  • “Scientific Farming of Rabi Crops” by Dr. Banshidhar and colleagues.

  • “Advanced Cultivation of Fruit Cucumber” by Dr. Sureshchand Kantwa.

  • “Improved Cultivation of Fennel” by Dr. Gopichand Singh.

The session was moderated by Dr. Latika Vyas. Over 150 agricultural scientists from universities and KVKs of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi are participating in the workshop, along with prominent MPUAT members including Dr. Arvind Verma, Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Dr. Dhriti Solanki, Dr. Manoj Mehla, Dr. Ram Hari Meena, and Dr. Sunil Joshi.

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