ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati, organized two-days Annual Zonal Workshop, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh on 25^th and 26^th of September 2024, at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The workshop is being organized with the purpose to review the activities of 47 KVKs of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim during the last year apart from knowledge exchange among the experts and KVK officials.

Chief Guest Mr. Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the pivotal role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in bridging the gap between technology and farmers. He emphasized the importance of integrated farming systems, Post Harvest Management, Capacity Building of farmers on new technologies for ensuring agricultural sustainability in the region.

Earlier, during the inaugural session, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, delivered the welcome address and emphasized the importance of agri-entrepreneurship in transforming livelihoods.

Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director of ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, addressed the significance of identifying Geographical Indication (GI) crops in Arunachal Pradesh.

During the workshop Best KVK and Best Extension Worker Award 2023-24 for Zone VI, has been awarded. In addition to that, ISO Certificate 9001-2015 of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI and publications of the institute and KVKs were released by the dignitaries.  On the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister has digitally launched the Traditional Indigenous Village Knowledge Bank for Adi, Apatani and Monpa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

The inaugural session of the Workshop was graced by Mr. Vivek Pandey, APC, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh; Mrs. Koj Rinya, Secretary, Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh; Dr. R. Murugesan, Director, NIRD & PR, Guwahati; Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Former ASRB member; Director of Line Departments, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh; Senior Scientists & Heads of KVKs and officials from ICAR ATARI, Zone VI.

(Source: ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati)