An Annual Zonal Workshop on KVKs of Zone-VIII comprising of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa was jointly organized by ICAR-ATARI, Pune and Anand Agricultural University (AAU) at AAU, Anand (Gujarat) during 07-09 July, 2022. The Inaugural Function of the Workshop was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr AK Singh, hon’ble DDG (AE), ICAR, New Delhi and Chairman, Dr KB Kathiria, hon’ble Vice Chancellor, AAU, Anand. The dignitaries include Hon’ble VCs of SAUs (NAU, Navsari, SDAU, SK Nagar, and JAU, Junagadh) and Directors of ICAR Institutions (ATARI, Zone VIII, Pune and ICAR-DGR, Junagadh) and Scientists of IIMR, SAUs, KVKs of Zone VII and others.

In the Inaugural session, Dr AK Singh, hon’ble DDG (Agri. Extension) highlighted the crop production scenario in the Country including those of Pulses and Oilseeds; and reiterated that all-round efforts should be made in scaling their production/productivity in the country. He also emphasized on diverse and varied subjects including stability in pulses production, quality of planting material, natural/organic farming models, precision farming, integrated farming practices, agriculture start-ups, and showcasing these technologies for wider adoption. In his address, Dr KB Kathiria, hon’ble Vice Chancellor, AAU, Anand thrusted upon the key role of KVKs in progress of agriculture and sought for appropriate linkages for win-win situation. Earlier, Dr NK Gontia, hon’ble Vice Chancellor, JAU, Junagadh pointed out the importance of such review meeting in enabling self-sufficiency in food grains and other commodities by our country. Dr RM Chauhan, hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SDAU, SK Nagar highlighted the role of millets for fulfilling the need for food and feed, and recommended adoption of integrated cropping/farming systems and women empowerment. Dr ZP Patel, hon’ble Vice Chancellor, NAU, Navsari accentuated the impact of social sciences and KVKs in self-sustenance. Further, Shri HH Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Chairman, Kaneri Math, Kolhapur reiterated on increased production keeping in view the population explosion. He also emphasized on maintaining biodiversity, soil health, employment generation, and safe storage of food grains and other commodities while containing corona and such other pandemics. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair by Dr HB Patel, DEE, AAU, Anand.

The Inaugural Program was followed by the Common Technical Session on the theme “Technological Backstopping to KVKs/Drone centres” under the chairmanship of Dr. Lakhan Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune and Co-Chairmanship of Dr. C. S. Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR, Junagadh and HH Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Chairman, Kaneri Math, Kolhapur. In this session, while highlighting the role of Drones, Dr SD Gorantiwar, MPKV, Rahuri emphasized on appropriate strategies in operating a drone. There is a need for Government recognized firms for purchase of drones initially, adequate measures for post-sale repair/maintenance and bridging the knowledge/awareness gap, and wide scale hands-on training/Demos. Dr CS Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR, Junagadh delivered a presentation on “Advances of Production and Protection Technologies in Groundnut” in which he reiterated to sort out the seed production/availability constraints through creating more seed hubs and Breeder Seed Production (BSP) centres and FPOs etc. Further, Dr AU Bhikane, MAFSU, Nagpur emphasized on livestock as a component of existing farming systems in enhancing farm income. He further advocated adoption of loose housing system, mineral mixtures and certain hygienic measures in cattle/animal sheds for higher milk production. Dr RR Chapke, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad highlighted on the role of millets keeping in view of IMY 2023, and reiterated that it should also be a component of food and feed as these are high in fiber, protein, and anti-oxidants, and low in gluten and fat with lower glycemic index (high digestibility). Dr Ramesh Bhadane, MPKV, Rahuri recommended adoption/cultivation of pulses for food and nutritional security and stability in their production (IYP 2016). He advised growing of appropriate varieties (including growing of short duration varieties of mungbean, urdbean and Pigeonpea) and technology in pulses. Also, Dr Satish Kumar, ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad accentuated the importance of taking suitable measures along with matching production and protection technologies in oilseeds which could help in increased production (of sunflower, safflower, niger and linseed) of these most-importing commodities.

The common session was followed by other interactive/parallel sessions on Overseeing, Achievements and Plan of Action for KVKs.