ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Pune organized a two-day Annual Action Plan Workshop of KVKs of Gujarat and Goa in collaboration with ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research at ICAR-DMAPR, Anand during 15-16 May, 2023. The workshop was inaugurated on 15 May 2023.

In inaugural address, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Anand Agricultural University, Dr. K.B. Kathiria mentioned about the significance of utilizing resources from different government schemes to fulfil the contingency requirement of KVKs. He also emphasized incorporation of new technologies like Drone application, Nano urea, etc. in the action plan of KVKs. He advised Directors of Extension Education to provide backstopping to KVKs through supply of newly released technologies by SAUs.

The Directors of Extension Education Dr. H. B. Patel, DEE, AAU, Anand, Dr. N. M. Chauhan, DEE, NAU, Navsari, Dr. A. G. Patel, DEE, SDAU, S.K. Nagar and Dr. H.C. Chhodvadia, Associate DEE, JAU, Junagadh chaired and co-chaired different technical sessions during workshop.

Dr S.K. Roy, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune mentioned that KVK is a frontline extension system and KVK has to differentiate them from other extension system like state departments. He also applauded SAUs in Gujarat for providing retirement benefits and said that this examples should be followed by all host organisations. He urged KVKs should reorient their activities according to new mandates of KVK.

The chief guest of the valedictory programme, Dr Manish Das, Director, ICAR-DMAPR, Anand lauded the work done by KVKs and their role in taking technologies to the farmers’ doorstep.

The Heads of 33 KVKs of Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra presented their action plan for the upcoming year 2023 on the occasion. A total of around 100 participants attended the event.