Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ri Bhoi, successfully concluded the Krishi
Swarna Samriddhi Week (KSSW) from 17th to 21st March2025 with organising Farmers’ Fair cum Exhibition on 21st March 2025
at KVK Campus marking a historic occasion—the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first Krishi Vigyan Kendra
(KVK) in the country. The event aimed at empowering farmers with the latest agricultural advancements, promoting sustainable
practices, and strengthening the collaboration between scientists, policymakers and the farming community.
Dr. Mokidul Islam, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK Ri Bhoi briefed the
gathering about the different activities organised at different villages as Ginger Fest at Tyrso, Millet Fest at Umwang
Them, Strawberry Fest at Umktieh and Livestock & Fish Fest at Liarkhla with the concluding Farmers Fair cum Exhibition on
21st March 2025 at KVK Campus as part of the Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week from 17th to 21st March 2025 where about 505
farmers were participated in total.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Damanbait Lamare,
Hon’ble MLA of 12-Umroi Constituency, Meghalaya who commended the contributions of KVK in transforming Indian agriculture
over the past five decades and also expressed to be lucky enough by the presence of many Institute of national importance
in his constituency. He also lauded the efforts and contribution that ICAR and KVK made for the farmers of his constituency
in the past 50 years of its existence. He urge the farming community to take the advantage of the presence of institution
like ICAR and KVK so that they will improve their livelihood, and as local MLA he would take necessary step in alleviating
the income of the farmers through various scheme like the Meghalaya CM Elevate scheme
The Guest of Honour, Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, Umiam,
highlighted the role of KVKs in knowledge dissemination and capacity building among farmers. He also brief about the initiation
of the first KVK in the country which was established way back in 1974 in Pondicherry. He also urge the District Agriculture and
District Horticulture Officer to include some of the technologies tested by KVKs in their State Action Plan so that the farmers can
reap the benefit of the various technologies develop by ICAR or any other research organization. He also highlighted the contribution
of 731 KVKs in the country to increase food grain production form 50 million tonnes in 1950 to more than 300 million tonnes in 2024.
The Chairman of the Programme, Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for
NEH Region, Umiam, emphasized the importance of research-driven farming solutions for sustainable agriculture and conservation of water
and its important in agriculture. He also urge the youth to focus on agriculture and ICAR is there to support them to become agripreneur.
He also remind of the dream of honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of a Vikshit Bharat by 2047.
Dr B P Singh, Head of Division, DTAC, lamented that today’s youth are shifting from agriculture
and migrate to other cities for other jobs and employment opportunities. However, he highlighted the employment and job security that come with
modern agriculture by becoming agripreneur or entrepreneur and provide employment to others by value addition of various agri related product.
He also urged the youth to use the mean of internet and social media for gaining information which would benefit them.
During the event, Smt. Serolyne Chyne, District Agriculture Officer (DAO) cum Project Director,
ATMA, Nongpoh, briefed farmers on key government schemes aimed at improving agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. She highlighted major
initiatives, including PM-KISAN (financial assistance for small farmers), PMFBY (crop insurance), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) (easy credit access),
and subsidized seeds, farm implements, and machinery (support for mechanized farming). She encouraged farmers to utilize these schemes and assured
them of the department’s ongoing support for sustainable agricultural development.
District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Shri Pranjal J. Dutta, expressed gratitude that Ri Bhoi have
received benefit from a favorable agro-climatic zone that supports good agricultural production. He noted India's remarkable progress in food grain
production since independence and urged farmers to actively submit their demands for various schemes and inputs so that the department can take necessary
steps to assist them. Additionally, he sought cooperation from scientific organizations like ICAR for technological support to further enhance agricultural
productivity in the region.
Today’s event showed the active participation of 200 farmers and Official and Scientist from various
organization like, District Agriculture Officer, District Horticulture Officer,ATMA Officials, District Veterinary Officer, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station,
Umiam and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Iaikyrshan and Margar FPOs with showcasing the technologies and products etc. Their efforts in showcasing a
diverse range of agricultural innovations have been immensely beneficial to the farming community.During the event the farmers were also felicitated for winning
in the different contest during the festivals with mementos, certificate and cash prize.The farmers-Scientist Interaction was also held after the inaugural programme
to solve the farmers problem with proper recommendations.
The programme was hosted by Jessica Dohtdong, Technical Officer and concluded by vote of thank by Bankitkupar Mukhim, SMS(Fishery Science) of KVK Ri Bhoi.
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