Review Workshop of KVKs of ATARI Zone VIII (Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa) on newly introduced programmes in KVKs and Interaction meeting with DEEs of SAUs in the Zone Organized by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune On 4 May 2023 from 9.00-12.00 hrs.

Dr. S. K. Roy, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune welcomed the participants and explained about the purpose of organizing workshop. He underlined the importance of the Review Meeting in enabling the interaction between DEEs, KVKs and ATARI. He highlighted the role of KVKs and ATARI in implementing the Projects on Drone, Natural Farming and need to reach towards farmers in fast ways.

Dr. A. K. Singh, VC, RLBCAU, Jhansi were present as guest of Honor and Dr. U. S. Gautam, DDG (Agril Extn), ICAR, New Delhi as chief guest at ICAR-ATARI, Pune. Inaugurating the Workshop, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, VC, RLBCAU, Jhansi highlighted the role of KVKs in implementing various activities. He also stressed on KVK being well equipped with Functional diagnostics centers i.e. agri-clinics, and all KVK must have Demo Units. There should be continuity in activities that are ongoing in KVKs like ARYA and FFP projects. KVK should work on priority setting mode. Identify how Drones can be used properly. Geotaging experiments must be conducted, Crop Cafeteria must be developed. KVKs are good at working but poor at reporting. KVKs should be part of RAC in Universities. Feedback of recommendations is required. KVK should take Joint Programs with state govt. Seed and planting material production at KVK must be there with participatory approach with help of farmers and make efforts for certification of seeds.

Dr. U. S. Gautam, DDG (Agril Extn), ICAR, New Delhi outlined the key role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the progress of agriculture. He urged SAUs to prepare University wise APR. Single window Knowledge Resource and Capacity development system must be there at KVK. In every three years recommendation given in publications must be updated like package of practices. Kisan Sarthi, KVK portal and Darpan portal must be updated on regular basis for KVK activities. KVK should make gender friendly infrastructure facilities.

A Presentation on Review on KVKs and newly introduced programmes in KVKs was presented by DEES from SAUs in the zone, Dr. G. K. Waman, DEE Office, MPKV, Rahuri, Dr. P. A. Sawant, DEE, BSKKV, Dapoli, Dr. H. M. Gajipara, DEE, JAU, Junagadh presented the review Online, wereas Dr. D. B. Deosarkar, DEE, VNMKV, Parbhani, Dr. D. B. Undirwade, DEE, PDKV, Akola, Dr. A. U. Bhikane, DEE, MAFSU, Nagpur, Dr. N. M. Chauhan, DEE, NAU, Navsari, Dr. P. T. Patel, DEE, SDAU, SK Nagar, Dr. S. D. Patel, Associate DEE, AAU, Anand were present physically for the workshop.

Senior Scientist and heads, SMS and other KVK staff from 82 KVKs of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa were present in Hybrid mode. More than 150 Participants attended the workshop physically and through Zoom Platform. Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Rajesh. T, Scientist, ICAR-ATARI, Pune.