ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute

A workshop on development of agriculture in western dry region of the country and mid-term review meeting of 23rd ICAR Regional Committee No. VI was held at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur on 6th and 7th November 2015, respectively. Both the meetings were chaired by Dr. A.K. Sikka, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. S.P. Kimothi, ADG (Coordination), ICAR, New Delhi also participated in the meetings. In the workshop on development of agriculture in western dry region, forty farmers from 12 arid districts of western Rajasthan, PCs of 10 KVKs, Director Research/Extension from SAUs, Directors/senior officers of ICAR institutes/RRSs, PCs of AICRPs and AINPs in western Rajasthan, officials of state line departments and watershed development participated in the meeting. In the mid-term review meeting, Director Research/Extension of SAUs and Directors/ senior officers of ICAR institutes, PCs of AINPs and AICRPs, officials of agriculture and animal husbandry state line departments, National Seed Corporation and NGOs of Gujarat and Rajasthan states participated. In both the meetings, Dr. C.B. Pandey, Acting Director, CAZRI welcomed the participants.

The workshop began with the brief presentation by Dr. P.P. Rohilla Director (Acting), ATARI, Zone VI on the role of KVKs of the region. Dr. Kimothi outlined the importance of the workshop. He said that the workshop has been called at the behest of the PMO to draw a clear roadmap for development of agriculture in western dry region of the country. Dr. A.K. Sikka in his address emphasized that the workshop is to provide direct interaction of scientists and policy planners with the farmers. He said that this is an opportunity for farmers to put before house the problems related to agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry and also to give suggestions for development of agriculture sector in this region. He invited farmers of different agro-climatic regions for drawing roadmap for development of agriculture. The farmers raised issues related to water, rainfed agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, marketing and subsidy. There were an in-depth discussion on various issues raised by farmers especially the emerging problem of depleting groundwater, cultivation of pomegranate in Barmer district, pest and diseases in groundnut, supply of quality seed, breeding program for improvement of livestock, damage due to stray and wild animals, reduced subsidy on drip irrigation system and diggi construction, etc. The DDG asked the institutes/SAUs to addresses the researchable issues raised by farmers in their future programs. The review on the recommendations of 23rd meeting of ICAR Regional Committee No. VI was held on November 7, 2015. The ADG (Coordination) Dr. Kimothi said that ICAR attaches great importance to various issues raised in the regional committee for overall development of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries of the region comprising of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The DDG in his address said that the main purpose of the meeting is to review the implementation of various recommendations made by 23rd ICAR regional committee No-VI and if need be to make mid-term corrections for speedy implementation of various actions proposed. Dr. C.B. Pandey, Member Secretary, presented the action taken report on the recommendations of 23rd ICAR Regional Committee no. VI. The inputs provided by SAUs/ICAR institutes/State line departments were discussed in detail. The chairman expressed his satisfaction on the action taken by the concerned organizations. The issues related to establishment of KVK at Silvasa, filling up of vacant posts in KVKs, marketing opportunities of agricultural produce, availability of quality seed, etc. were discussed at length. While summing up the chairman advised members to work in coordination for speedy percolation of technologies to the farmers. He said State Line Departments can play important role in this. The meeting ended with the presentation of vote of thanks by Dr. R.K. Kaul.

(Source: CAZRI, Jodhpur)