Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), inaugurated the ICAR-KVK Golden Jubilee Torch's voyage in Zone-V on March 31, 2024, which includes Odisha, West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in a historic event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The torch relay commenced from ICAR-KVK (A), Nadia, is symbolic of KVKs' unwavering commitment to serving the agricultural community. This historic event is part of the larger Golden Jubilee celebrations of KVKs across 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs).
Dr. Pathak underscored the significance of the torch as an inspiration of knowledge dissemination from KVKs to all districts. Reflecting on KVKs' essential role in agricultural technology transfer since their inception in 1974, he stressed the need to intensify KVK activities during the 'Amrit Kaal' to meet farmers' aspirations.
Dr. R. Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, highlighted the crucial role of KVKs in spreading farm technology, emphasizing their importance in bridging the gap between research and field application.
Dr. D. Singh, Director of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, commended the grassroots-level efforts of KVKs in serving farmers.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, expressed confidence that the torch relay would catalyze change within KVKs, transforming them into convergence hubs for Indian agriculture, in alignment with the nation's aspirations for 2047.
The event saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Dr. G. Kar, Director of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibers, Barrackpore, Dr. S. Banik, Head of ICAR-NDRI (RS), Kalyani, Dr. Arnab Sen from ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Eastern Regional Centre), Kolkata, Dr. Chirantan Chattopadhyay, I/c of ICAR-CSRSJAF, Budbud, Dr. T.K. Ghoshal, Head of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kolkata Centre, Dr. Baidyanath Paul, I/c of ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture RRC, Rahara, and Dr. S.K. Ray, Head of ICAR-KVK (A), Nadia.
The torch relay will culminate at the ICAR-KVK Golden Jubilee Conference 2024 in New Delhi, marking the grand finale of this historic celebration.
