First Tripura Krishi Unnati Mela- 2019 concluded.
The Valedictory function of Tripura Krishi Unnati Mela (TKUM)- 2019 was organized today on March 03, 2019 at Tripura Centre of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Lembucherra, Tripura. Shri. N.C. Debbarma, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue and Fisheries, Govt. of Tripura was the Chief Guest and Dr. P.K. Pandey, Dean, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra was the Guest of Honour of the valedictory function. About 3000 farmers, researchers, academicians, extension and development functionaries, students, entrepreneurs, NGOs participated in the event organized during 1-3 March, 2019. About 500 farmers, scientists, Govt. Officials, SHGs, NGOs, students, entrepreneurs and office staff attended the valedictory function. The Chief Guest of valedictory function Sh. NC Debbarma visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with the exhibitors. Joint Director and Convenor of TKUM-2019, Dr. Basant Kandpal in his welcome speech briefed about the three days TKUM-2019 programs. He informed that the participation and interaction by various stakeholders especially the farmers in the Mela were overwhelming. Mela comprised of 6 technical sessions with farmers-scientist interaction on climate resilient agriculture, integrated farming for doubling farmers’ income, improved maize and oil seed production, agri-business opportunities and horticulture for nutrition and income enhancement. Exhibition, Fish Fest, Traditional foods and products, cultural show etc. were the other attraction of 3 days Mela. A total of 15 deliberations from the experts from ICAR, Universities, College of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Department of Horticulture, Fishery, NABARD, ad other organizations were also organised.
Guest of Honour, Dr. P.K. Pandey has appreciated the initiatives of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre for organizing the Krishi Unnati Mela for the farmers of Tripura to double their income. He stressed on scientific fish farming for enhancing the income of the farmers and informed that a small pond in every household could be used for life saving irrigations besides producing fish.
The award Ceremony was begun with the distribution of certificates and memento by the Hon’ble Minister. Horticulture Research Station, Nagicherra bagged the first prize among the Govt. exhibition stalls and M/S. Bharati Udyog received the first prize among the Non Govt. stalls. In the event of Fish Fest, Mr. Dipan Das has received the first prize in culture fish show, Mr. Bahadur Debbarma has received the first prize in Ornamental fish show, Ms. Purnima Rani Banik has received the first prize in ethnic big fish dish and Mr. Sukumar Debbarma has received the first prize in ethnic small fish dish.
Hon’ble Minister Sh. NC Debbarma expressed his appreciation to ICAR for organizing First Tripura Krishi Unnati Mela at Lembucherra. In His Chief Guest remark, He said Tripura being an agrarian economy more emphasis should be laid on Agriculture. One third of Tripura’s land is cultivable, hence he suggested farmers for taking multiple crops and adopt diversified integrated farming system comprising crop, horticulture, livestock and fisheries for food, nutritional security, higher income and minimal risks from climatic adversities. He urged the farmers to adopt the technologies of ICAR to fulfil the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for doubling farmers’ income by 2022. He promised to extend all supports from State Govt. for the betterment of Tripura farmers.
The valedictory programme was concluded with vote of thanks offered by Dr. Anup Das, Principal Scientist and Organizing Secretary of TKUM-2019.
