VC SKUAST-Jammu conducts SAC meeting of KVK Poonch, Inaugurates FPO offices at Degwar & Mandi

Jammu |: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Poonch Monday organized its 12th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting under the chairmanship of Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu.
The meeting reviewed the activities of KVK Poonch and discussed its Annual Action Plan. Vice Chancellor J.P. Sharma also inaugurated FPO Offices of Mandi and Degwar blocks for walnut and maize respectively. Deputy Commissioner, InderJeet also accompanied Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu along with Dr. Sumati Sharma, Scientist DRDO, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu during the inauguration of FPO office of Degwar on Maize,
Speaking to the farmers at Degwar, the Vice Chancellor emphasized upon value addition and processing. He suggested promoting specialty agriculture in Poonch including saffron, turmeric, Kalazeera, pecan nut, lavender etc for improving farmers income.
Citing the examples of successful FPOs from across India, he laid thrust on mobilization of farmers from remote areas.
The Deputy Commissioner Poonch assured full cooperation from district administration in the promotion of FPOs.
Director Extension elaborated the extension activities of the University and extended full support for strengthening the farmer of district Poonch through promotion of FPOs
BDC Member, Shamim Ganai was also present during the inauguration of FPO Office at Mandi and welcomed the efforts of University to promote FPOs in the remote blocks of Poonch. Vice Chancellor also felicitated President, Secretary, Board members and officers from Agriculture and Cooperative departments during the programme at Degwar and Mandi.
The SAC Meeting at KVK Poonch was attended by Dr. Sumati Sharma, First lady of SKUAST-Jammu & Scientist DRDO, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu, Chief Agriculture Officer Poonch, Chief Horticulture Officer Poonch, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Poonch, District Sheep husbandry Officer & officers from other line Departments besides some progressive farmers / farm women.
In his address, Prof. Sharma Vice Chancellor & Chairman SAC stressed the need for adoption of low volume high value crops.
Earlier, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension welcomed the chairman and other members of SAC. Dr. Ajay Gupta Sr. Scientist & Head KVK Poonch presented detailed activities of KVK including on farm and off-farm activities. Dr. Muzafar Mir carried out the proceedings of SAC meeting and presented vote of thanks. Others who attended the meeting included Dr. Vikas Sharma, RARS Rajouri, Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Dr. Praveen Singh and Dr. Narinder Panotra from SKUAST-Jammu.