JAMMU: The 4-Day National Agriculture Summit-2024 on the theme “Harnessing Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences” concluded today at SKUAST-Jammu with a grand valedictory function.
Member Parliament Rajya Sabha Gulam Ali Khatana graced the occasion as chief guest. He interacted with farmers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, FPOs, SHGs and common visitors in the exhibition ground. He appreciated the efforts of the University for organizing such a mega event which was a mix of innovative ideas, knowledge sharing and entertainment.
In his address, Gulam Ali Khatana stressed the need for close liaisoning between University and farmers for speedy sharing of innovations. He also appealed to the scientists to take the technology generated in the laboratory to the farmer’s field. He motivated the farmers to adopt technologies generated by the university to increase their income. He congratulated the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu Prof. B.N. Tripathi under whose dynamic leadership, SKUAST-Jammu has made rapid strides in the last few years and has shown phenomenal growth in academics, research and extension aspects.
MLA Dr. G.R. Bhagat, who graced the occasion as guest of honour, in his address, expressed his happiness on the successful organization of National Agriculture Summit. He also appreciated the participation of government departments, farmers, students, NGOs, FPOs and private companies in large numbers during the 4- Day summit. He also stressed the farmers to take the maximum benefits of various schemes of the central government implemented for their welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, who also graced the occasion as guest of honour, congratulated Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi for the successful completion of the Summit as it was an amalgamation of diverse institutes, universities, development departments, banks, NABARD, schools, colleges, private organizations etc. that exhibited their improved technologies and products for the visitors including farmers. He expressed happiness that this fair was an ideal platform for Start-Ups, FPOs and SHGs to showcase their products and make inroads into the general public. He lauded the efforts of SKUAST-Jammu in technology development and dissemination in the field of agriculture, horticulture, livestock and fisheries for furthering the cause of agriculture in the region.
In his address, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, Prof. B.N. Tripathi congratulated all the farmers, agri-preneurs, NGOs, FPOs, Start-Ups, SHGs, Government Departments, KVKs, Research Stations, different Divisions of the University, private organizations, etc. for their active participation in National Agriculture Summit-2024. He informed the house that during the four-day-long summit, products and technologies were displayed on 250 stalls and 15,000 visitors attended it.
Earlier, an impressive dog show was also organized on the last day wherein pet lovers of Jammu division participated in large numbers. The highlight of the show was a mesmerizing Dog Drill Demonstration by the BSF Paloura team and CRPF Dog squad which captivated the audience with its precision and teamwork. Other participating teams, including the ITBP and JK Crime Branch Dog Squads, added further excitement to the inaugural ceremony, showcasing the impressive training and discipline of their dogs.
A total of 95 dogs participated in the competition, demonstrating their agility, obedience, and unique skills across various categories. The event culminated with the announcement of the champions. The overall champion title was awarded to German Shepherd dog namely ‘Falcon’ of Mr. Anshu Bhat, Rottweilr breed namely ‘Thor’ of Mr Saurabh and ‘Ginger’of Mr Shubahm.
The dog show was graced by P.K.G. Goswami, Commandant, 06 BN CRPF, as the Guest of Honor. Besides, a technical session on women empowerment in agriculture and allied enterprises was also organized in which 250 farm women participated actively. In rural sports, visitors and University staff participated enthusiastically in various events. Medals and certificates were also awarded to the winners. During the event, five scientific publications were also released for the benefit of the farming community. The programme was attended by statutory officers of the University, officers of the State Departments, scientists, students and farmers. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, and the proceedings of the valedictory function were conducted by Dr. Sachin Gupta, Professor, Plant Pathology.
