The Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Khordha, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) Kausalyaganga organized a workshop on “Challenges and Opportunities in Horticulture for Doubling Farmers’ Income” at the Kausalyaganga campus on Friday.
Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar Dr PK Roul inaugurated the workshop and spoke on the opportunities in horticulture for doubling the farmers’ income.
Dr JK Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science & Animal Science) ICAR, New Delhi was the special guest on the occasion and said that KVKs play a vital role in dissemination of improved agricultural technologies developed by National Agricultural Research Systems.
Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata Dr Pradip Dey said horticulture has a major role in increasing the benefit cost ratio of farmers. Dr Dey expressed happiness that KVK-Khordha has promoted as many as seven FPOs in Khordha district.
Earlier, Director, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Dr Pramoda Kumar Sahoo welcomed the delegates and presented a brief overview of the institute. Senior Scientist and Head, KVK-Khordha Dr Harapriya Nayak highlighted the role and significant achievements of KVK-Khordha.
The dignitaries released two publications of the KVK on this occasion. Ajaya Kumar Dash, SMS(Horticulture) was felicitated by the institute in recognition of his 34 years of long service.
Three technical sessions were held during the workshop. Around 200 participants including scientists of ICAR-CIFA and other sister institutes, horticulture Scientists from KVKs, officers from Horticulture Department of Khordha district, representatives of Farmer Producer Companies, Non-Government Organisations and progressive farmers attended.