JAMMU, OCTOBER 17: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jammu on Monday organized a Kissan Sammelan.
Jugal Kishor Sharma, Member Parliament Jammu Poonch Constituency was the Chief Guest and Prof J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST JAMMU was the Special Guest of honour during the programme.
The Member of Parliament Jammu Poonch Constituency, Jugal Kishore congratulated the farmers for receiving the 12th installment of Kissan Samman Nidhi scheme. He explained the visionary approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening the farmers and reducing their plights and problems. He informed that 600 Model fertilizer retail one shops ‘KissanSamridhi Kendras’ will ease out the problems of farmers by providing all agri-related products at one shop. He praised one Nation: One fertilizer approach, encouragement of women farmers and promotion of Agri startups. The Member Parliament appreciated the efforts of KVK Jammu during the programme.
Prof J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST JAMMU emphasized on the conservation and preservation of the traditional Basmati variety of R S Pura. He further added that value addition, branding and marketing is very important for fetching better remuneration. He impressed upon the farmers to form FPOs which will reduce the input cost and increase their bargaining power.
The dignitaries also viewed the live webcasting of   Prime Minister’s address at Kisan Sammelan organized at New Delhi, at KVK Jammu.
Dr SK Gupta, Director Extension SKUAST JAMMU, appreciated the efforts of KVK Jammu and thanked APEDA for choosing KVK Jammu for conduct of one day programme on export potential.
Earlier, Dr. Punit Choudhary, Chief Scientist and Head KVK Jammu, welcomed the participants in the export promotion programme and briefed that KVK Jammu is committed to work for the benefit of the Farmers of Jammu.
During the technical programme, Dr Ritesh Sharma, Principal Scientist BEDF, deliberated upon challenges and opportunities in export for Agricultural produce.
Dr R K Salgotra, Coordinator School of Biotechnology SKUAST JAMMU, shared the potential of newly developed Jammu Basmati Varieties which are equivalent to taste and fragrance with respect to the traditional Basmati variety of R S Pura.
Subash Sharma, Joint Director Extension Department of Agriculture, briefed the participants about various schemes being run by the department for the farmer. Dr Fatima Kousar, from regional office APEDA Jammu briefed about the registration of FPO's for export of their produce.
The programme was attended by more than 300 farmers/stakeholders including Ex MLA and DDC member Prof Garu Ram Bhagat; Vidya Motan, DDC Miran Sahib, Sarpanchs, Panchs, President and Board of Directors of FPO on Mushroom and FPO on Basmati, Sarweshwar Pvt. Ltd, DD Rice and other stakeholders of Jammu district.
A Folder on various schemes of Agricultural and allied sectors - at a Glance, published by KVK Jammu was also released on the occasion. Nano Urea bottles of IFFCO were also distributed among the farmers.
A farmer scientist interaction was also held on the occasion. The programme was conducted by Dr Prem Kumar and Dr Ravneet Kour, while Dr Sheetal Badyal, Dr Muneeshwar Sharma, Dr Amitesh Sharma, Er Ashish Katoch,  Sahil Talgotra of KVK Jammu helped in smooth conduct of the programme.