Jammu, Mar 9: On day 3 of ongoing Krishi Mela being organized by SKUAST Jammu, a seed conference was organized to highlight the importance of quality seeds and create awareness among the masses for its utility besides the role of university in providing seeds to the farmers was also highlighted.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu, applauded the role of seed scientists of the university in providing the seed of cereals and pulses to farmers.
Former Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, Professor Pradeep Sharma, in his address appreciated the seed programme being run by the university in close coordination with the line departments.
While addressing the conference, Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, highlighted about the start ups of GoI especially the village entrepreneurship programme.
ADGP Security, Dr. S.D.S. Jamwal while speaking during the conference discussed the role of disease and insect resistance and storage of seeds.
Director, ICAR-IISR, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, in his address talked about the increase in varietal replacement rate and adoption of quality seeds.
While addressing the conference, Deputy Commissioner (QC), Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. D.K. Srivastava, discussed the parameters of seed quality, certification of seeds, legal instruments and quality regulation for genetically modified crops.
Dr. Amrish Vaid, Nodal officer, Mega Seed Project SKUAST Jammu, informed that the university produces 1500 quintal of seeds at university farms and KVKs though active involvement of line departments.
Joint Director (Inputs), Department of Agriculture Jammu, A S Reen, highlighted the use of open pollinated seeds, types of seed production and the necessity of seed replacement in various crops.
Sanjeev Kumar from Sahara Jagriti Manch also spoke on the occasion and highlighted about the importance of NGOs in women welfare through agriculture specially seed production.
On the occasion, MoU was also signed between SKUAST Jammu and IIWBR, Karnal, regarding seed production.
Earlier, an impressive dog show was organized in which Dr. MC Sharma, former Director IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareli (UP), was the chief guest while Professor J P Sharma, VC SKUAST Jammu, Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, ADGP Security, Dr. S D Jamwal were the guests of honour. More than 100 dogs of 23 breeds were registered for the participation. Similarly, an exhibition on application of drone technology in agriculture and cultural programme by Sewa Bharti, Jammu was also organized on the occasion.
