7th December, 2020, New Delhi, IN: Mr. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare virtually inaugurated the “26th Meeting of Regional Committee – V (Delhi, Haryana and Punjab)” organized by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today.
Mr. Rupala emphasized that the meeting is an important process of the ICAR to identify the problems of regional structures, diverse climate and local problems. While discharging the traditions of democracy, ICAR is addressing the problems in synergy with the State Governments, Agricultural Universities and KVKs efficiently. The Minister applauded the ICAR for such initiatives. Mr. Rupala also stressed on dissolving the paddy straws to enhance the soil health along with preventing the environment from being polluted.
The Guest of Honor, Mr. Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare regarded the organization of such meetings as a chance to review the progress of the action points finalized during the previous year’s meeting. It also prepares a broad road map for the future action plans. The Minister urged to empower the KVKs to solve the farmers’ problems at the regional level. Mr. Chaudhary said that the Agricultural Universities, State Governments and KVKs need to work in coordination to apprise the farmers about the various government schemes and technologies.
Mr. J.P. Dalal, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Haryana outlined the dedicated working of the state government with central government to realize the aim of doubling the farmers’ income. Underlining the Government of Haryana’s achievements in the field of agriculture, the Minister also stressed on effective utilization of water.
Mr. Gopal Rai, Minister of Environment, Government of Delhi stressed on utilization of Decomposer developed by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for efficiently dealing with the problems of paddy straw burning. Sharing the experience of using Decomposer, the Minister emphasized that its use will not only enhance the soil’s health, but also will be helpful in enhancing the farmers’ income. Mr. Rai urged the state governments to make the availability of Decomposer free that will be helpful in providing prompt solutions to the problems of paddy straw burning.
Outlining the main objective of the meeting, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) highlighted the organization of such meetings since 1974. The Director General stressed on the cultivation of climate resilient crops.
The DG also stressed on use of decomposer, seed-replacement and harvesting of the horticultural crops.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) proposed the vote of thanks.
The dignitaries also released the ICAR publications on the occasion.
The senior officials of State Governments discussed about the various problems being faced in the agricultural researches and development during the day-long meeting. The agricultural scientists also provided with their expert advices. The next two-year work plans were also assessed.
The Deputy Directors General, Assistant Directors General of ICAR along with Directors of ICAR Institutes, Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Senior Officials of State Governments and Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras virtually participated in the meeting.
