By TC News Desk
Agartala, 31st December 2024: The 38th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of KVK, Khowai (Tripura) for the year 2024 was held at its Chebri campus on 30th December, 2024 from 11.00 am onwards under the chairmanship of Dr. Goutam Sengupta, Rector & Former Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Techno- India University, West Bengal and President, Sri Ramakrishna Seva Kendra, Kolkata, the Host Institute of the KVK- Khowai. Dr. Amulya Kumar Mohanty, Director, ICAR- ATARI Zone- VII, Umiam, Meghalaya; Prof. Ratan Kumar Saha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Techno India University, Tripura; Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh, Sr. Scientist- cum- Head, ICAR- KVK, Wokha, Nagaland were present on Virtual mode and Sri Arabinda Debbarma, Director- T SAMETI, Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Dr. Ashit Chakraborty, Principal Scientist and Dr. Rahul Kumar, Scientist- Plant Breeding ICAR (RC) for NEH Region, Tripura Centre; Sri Jayanta Chakraborty , Deputy Director-Fisheries, Khowai; Prof. Gusheinzed W., Professor- Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra; Sri Amit Das, DDM, NABARD; Sri Akashdeep Sutradhar, DC- Farm, TRLM, Khowai; Dr. D.P. Awasthi, Assistant Professor- Plant Pathology and Dr. Dharmendra Debbarma, Assistant Professor- Agril. Extension, College of Agriculture, Tripura were graced the meeting in presence.
Dr. Goutam Sengupta, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting. In his inspiring speech, he urged the KVK staff members to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to societal welfare, emphasizing the critical issues of climate change and mitigation strategies. He highlighted the unique position of KVK staff, being closely connected to farming communities and trusted for their scientific expertise, are well-placed to motivate farmers to adopt new technologies. Dr. Sengupta also commended the tireless efforts of the KVK team under the leadership of Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan, Senior Scientist- cum- Head, in uplifting farming communities. He encouraged the team to focus on crop diversification, value addition and digital agriculture by engaging rural youth and women to promote sustainable livelihoods and food security.
Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI VII, Umiam elaborated on the pivotal mandate, activities and objectives of KVK in the current agricultural context. He emphasized the role of KVK as a bridge between research and practical applications, integrating scientific findings with on-ground agricultural practices. He noted that KVKs are crucial platforms for conducting on-farm trials, demonstrations and pilot projects, tailored to local agro- climatic conditions. These initiatives allow farmers to witness the practical benefits of adopting innovative techniques and improved crop varieties. The Director further stressed the importance of identifying technologies specific to the agro climatic zone, regional needs and farmers’ requirements to ensure successful adoption and long-term impact.
Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan, Senior Scientist- cum- Head presented the 2024 Annual Progress Report- 2024 and Annual Action Plan- 2025, sponsored and collaborative activities, the performance of the KVK farm demonstration unit and other significant achievements. The main purpose of the SAC meeting is to get necessary guidance and support to carry out the mandated activities of KVK in a more planned and scientific manner from the SAC members. Several recommendations were noted during the meeting as per suggestion of the dignitaries and members present for the all round benefit of farming community and other stakeholders. In sideline of the program a technology showcasing was also made by the KVK. Farm produces were distributed among the SAC members and workers of the KVK. The meeting was concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. N. Islam, SMS- Animal Science of the KVK followed by sang of National Anthem.
