Fortnightly Van Mahotsava activities take off at KVK Samba

SAMBA, July 20: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu today commenced the Van Mahotsav 2023 activities by organizing a mega plantation drive in the premises of the KVK.

Organised under the dynamic leadership of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, more than 60 enthusiastic farmers and farm women participated in this programme.   

Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head inaugurated the programme and more than 100 saplings of different plants were planted in the premises of the KVK.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Khajuria welcomed the participants and enlightened the gathering about the urgency of environmental conservation and planting of new saplings in the monsoon season. He also emphasized upon use of biodegradable materials in daily life and shunning the use of plastic and its products. He also talked about the importance of adopting natural farming, so as to minimize the impact of climate change and environmental degradation. Further, all the participants were distributed saplings of different fruit plants for planting in their respective villages.

 The Plantation drive marked the beginning of a series of the plantation drives which shall be carried over next fortnight by the KVK Samba. A series of lectures were also conducted by the experts of the KVK.

Dr. Neerja Sharma, Sr. Scientist (Horticulture) delivered an expert lecture on the role of the horticulture plants in securing livelihood security. Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha, Sr. Scientist (Ag. Engg) emphasized upon the use of efficient machinery to reduce the farming drudgery and also to minimize the carbon footprint.

Dr. Saurav Gupta, Scientist (Entomology) sensitized the farmers about the judicious use of pesticides in the farming sector. Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma emphasized upon the role of unconventional feed and fodders to minimize the carbon footprint of livestock rearing. Dr. Amit Mahajan sensitized the farmers about the judicious use of fertilizers. Dr. Shalini Khajuria sensitized about the role of soil testing to improve the soil fertility and minimize the cost of production. Others who actively participated in the programmes include Bharat Bhushan, Pawandeep Singh and Tejinder Singh.