SKUAST-K will continue to strengthen KVKs, transform them into Centres of Excellence: VC

Srinagar, Apr 6: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), a pioneering initiative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a symbolic torch rally was launched from Ladakh on April 3. The torch, representing the KVK movement, was handed over by the Deputy Director General (Extension), ICAR, to Prof. Dil Mohamad Makhdoomi, Director of Extension, SKUAST-K, who brought it to Srinagar.

This torch will traverse the length and breadth of the country, passing through KVKs along the way. At an impressive function held today at SKUAST-K, Shalimar, the torch was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who then passed it on to the Program Coordinators of KVKs in Kashmir. The Program Coordinators of KVKs in South Kashmir were entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the torch to Jammu, where it will be handed over to the Program Coordinators of KVKs of SKUAST Jammu.

University Officers, Programme Coordinators of KVKs, and the entire staff of the Directorate of Extension attended the function. Prof. Dil Mohamad Makhdoomi, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the significance of the event. He informed that the KVK movement began 50 years ago with the establishment of the first KVK at Pondicherry under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and currently, there are 724 KVKs across the country in all districts, serving as one-stop solutions for farmers.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, acknowledged the vital role of KVKs in technology dissemination and establishing SKUAST-Kashmir's presence across the region. He unveiled the University's resolve to strengthen KVKs and transform them into Centers of Excellence, thanking the support of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and ICAR.