XXIII ICAR Regional Committee - Zone VI Meeting Begins at AAU, Anand
12th September, 2014
Twenty Third Meeting of ICAR Regional Committee No. VI, is being held at Anand Agricultural University, Anand, where various emerging issues and problems of farming in different agro-climatic zones of the region comprising the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli will be deliberated. The meeting is being chaired by Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi. Shri Raj Kumar, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Gujarat inaugurated the meet. Dr. N.C. Patel, Vice Chancellor, AAU, Anand welcomed the dignitaries.
Dr. S. Ayyappan, in his presidential address appreciated the work being done by institutions in the region. He stressed that multi-purpose tree species should be included in agroforestry systems to be practiced in both the states to fill the requirement of food, fibre and fuelwood. Water harvesting must be prioritized in a agriculture sector. He also pointed that Gujarat State has done remarkable work in diversification and integrated farming system. Documentation of success stories about fruit crops species and livestock must be given due priority in both the states. Local livestock breeds like Banni and Mehsana buffaloes should be promoted for improving milk availability and further economic gains in the region.
Dr. A.K. Sikka, Deputy Director General, NRM, ICAR, New Delhi briefed about the importance of this meeting and agenda item to be discussed during two days meeting.
The Chief Guest Shri Raj Kumar, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) in his address emphasized the need to develop a compendium of crops suitable for this region. He said organic farming and protected cultivation needs to be taken up on priority in the state. He also stressed that the farming community should be taught how to reduce the cost of cultivation and discourage over use of chemical fertilizers.
On this occasion, progressive farmers from the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan were awarded for their significant contribution in different sectors of agriculture. The farmers briefly narrated their experiences and success in practicing agriculture as profitable enterprise. The meeting is being organized by Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur. The deliberation will take stock of the existing scenario and flag issues of mutual collaboration between state line department, agricultural universities in the region, and ICAR.
