A Special Online Training Programme for the KVK Professionals of ATARI - Zone XI on “ICAR-IIHR Technologies” was conducted at ICAR – IIHR, Bengaluru from December 17-18th, 2021. The main objective of the programme was to facilitate KVK professionals through capacity building on ICAR-IIHR technologies. This programme was inaugurated by DDG (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi. The programme started with ICAR Song followed by IIHR Jingle. Dr. R. Senthil Kumar, Principal Scientist, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. Dr. R. Venkattakumar, Head (i/c) and Principal Scientist, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR explained about objective of the training and importance of ICAR-IIHR technologies for doubling the farmer’s income. Further he explained that KVK scientists are the ambassadors for technologies transfer and act as communicators between farmers and scientists and it is essential to train them regularly. Dr. V. Venkatasubramanian, Director, ATARI – Zone 11, Bengaluru, the Guest of honour of the training programme enlightened the gathering on potential of specific district action plans through right technologies and right methodologies that will help in bringing development in farming community. Also stressed on the need for farm mechanisation and production of quality inputs and planting materials in participatory research mode in connection with different KVK’s and ICAR Institutes on pilot basis.
The chief guest of the program Dr. A. K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi addressed on need of regular conduction of trainings for upgrading the skills & knowledge of KVK professionals, creation of region wise upgraded technology models on farm fields to generate awareness and increase the adoptability of new technology, need for creation of WhatsApp groups of Horticulture experts linking KVK Professionals and discussed on concession/reduction in license fees to KVK’s for the technologies produced by IIHR. Later, in his presidential remarks Dr. B.N.S. Murthy, Director, IIHR, Bengaluru motivated the KVK professionals for effective dissemination of IIHR technologies through KVK’s with supportive network between IIHR Scientists. Also, he expressed to conduct special meeting to discuss on reduction of license fee for KVK’s. Finally vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. V. Sankar, Principal Scientist, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR.
During the two days programme, 9 sessions were organized covering all ICAR-IIHR technologies including fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants, post harvest management and processing, mushroom, farm mechanization, pest and diseases management and bio fertilizers and micro nutrient management in various horticultural crops
A total of 70 KVK officials from 48 KVK’s from three states namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep actively participated in training including scientists and staff from ATARI – Zone 11, Bengaluru. At the end of each session, participants interacted with the scientists and asked various queries and got detailed explanations.
On 18/12/2021 the valedictory programme was conducted at 3:30pm to 4:30 pm which was presided by Dr. C.K.Narayana, Director (i/c), IIHR, Bengaluru and Guest of honour was Dr. V. Venkatasubramanian, Director, ATARI – Zone 11, Bengaluru. Feedbacks from participants were recorded. The training programme was coordinated by Dr. V. Sankar, Principal Scientist, Dr R. Venkattakumar, Principal Scientist and Head (i/c), Division of Social Science and Training, Dr. Thimmappa, Scientist from ATARI Zone-11, Bengaluru, Dr. R. Senthil Kumar and Dr. H.R. Ramya from Division of Social Science and Training, Bengaluru.
