ICAR KVK Tamenglong & Ukhrul Felicitates DFI Fellow Farmer
Amidst the ongoing unrest in Manipur, a spirit of resilience and hope for a brighter future for the state's agricultural landscape was profound at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The event, hosted by the two KVKs, Tamenglong and Ukhrul under its host ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication of 78 exceptional farmers from across the state on 16th August 2024. This program, a collaborative effort between the KVKs of Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts under the ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute0 (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya aimed to equip the farmers with the latest advancements in agricultural practices and technology. Dr. Ramgopal Laha, Head of the ICAR Manipur Centre, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an inspiring address. He commended the relentless efforts of the KVKs in empowering the farmers of the hill districts, particularly in the face of adversity. Dr. Laha stressed the critical need to bridge the knowledge gap by providing farmers with access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies and resources, ultimately paving the way for increased productivity and prosperity. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Soibam Khogen Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Ukhrul, highlighted the instrumental role played by the KVKs in striving towards the ambitious goal of doubling farmers' income. He elaborated on the various initiatives undertaken by the KVKs to achieve this objective, emphasizing their commitment to the betterment of the farming community. The event was not just about accolades and speeches; it was a testament to the tangible impact the KVKs have had on the lives of the farmers they serve. In a heartfelt display of gratitude, the farmers expressed their appreciation for the invaluable support received from the KVKs and the ICAR Manipur Centre. They acknowledged the transformative effect of the technical guidance and input resources provided which have significantly uplifted their livelihoods and instilled a renewed sense of hope for the future. Dr. H. Lembisana Devi, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Tamenglong, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the unwavering support of the Directors of ICAR RC NEH Region, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, and the Head of ICAR Manipur Centre. She emphasized that their unwavering commitment, even amidst the challenging circumstances faced by the state's farmers, has been instrumental in the success of the KVKs' initiatives. The day culminated on a high note with over 78 farmers receiving comprehensive vegetable seed kits. These kits, containing a diverse range of seeds including tomato, garden pea, coriander, French bean, spinach, dolichos bean, carrot, and sweet corn, are intended to provide the farmers with a head start in implementing their newly acquired knowledge and enhancing their agricultural output. Further solidifying the spirit of knowledge sharing, the event also featured a dedicated farmer-scientist interaction session. This interactive platform provided a valuable opportunity for the farmers to directly engage with agricultural experts, seek clarifications on technical queries, and further enhance their understanding of scientific farming practices. The programme was co-ordinated by the Heads of the KVKs (Ukhrul and Tamenglong) and assisted by the Subject Matter Specialist of the two KVKs (Ukhrul and Tamenglong). The Golden Jubilee Celebration of the KVKs served as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of the farmers of Manipur and the unwavering commitment of institutions like the ICAR in fostering a brighter future for Indian agriculture.