The Hindu : Karnataka News : Farm research findings not reaching needy: H.K. Patil

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 25, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Farm research findings not reaching needy: H.K. Patil

By Our Special Correspondent

GADAG, SEPT. 24. H.K. Patil, former Agriculture Minister, today regretted that most of the research findings of agricultural scientists hardly reached the needy.

He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day annual review of the working of krishi vignana kendras (KVKs) in Zone VIII comprising Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Pondicherry and Lakshwadweep at the K.H. Patil Krishi Vignana Kendra at Hulkoti village near here. The meeting is being held after 10 years.

Mr. Patil said the gap between agricultural laboratories and the land should be bridged.

He said the kendras could play a vital role in transfer of technology. The policy of having one kendra in each district should be changed.

More kendras

Mr. Patil said more kendras should be set up in a district to give a boost to agriculture.

Coordination

Mr. Patil said self-help groups, which were now popular in rural areas, should be involved in technology transfer. He called for better coordination between agricultural universities and research centres. Research should focus on the optimum utilisation of water to maximise food production.

Organic farming

Mr. Patil said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) should take steps to popularise organic farming, which appeared to be the only way to bring about sustainable agriculture in rain-fed areas.

Finance

Mr. Patil, who recently attended a meeting convened by the Union Minister for Agriculture, Sharad Pawar, on the modalities of doubling credit to the farm sector, said the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) had evinced interest in financing technology transfer to farmers. It was ready to finance "Agri clinics'' established by agricultural graduates. The ICAR should pay more attention to infrastructure development, he added.

Directory released

B.S. Hansra, Assistant Director General of ICAR, released a directory of kendras and laid the foundation stone for a residential complex.

S. Prabhu Kumar, Zonal Coordinator, ICAR Transfer of Technology Projects, Bangalore, inaugurated a poultry rearing demonstration unit.

M.K. Sheela, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University, declared open an exhibition hall.

V. Virabhadraiah, Director of Extension of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, released a book published by the Salem kendra.

Book on vermicompost

F.R. Sharief, Director of Extension, Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Chennai, released a book on vermicompost.

G. Doreswamy, Director of Extension, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, released a brochure on preparation of food products from millet.

B.S. Nadagoudar, Director of Extension, UAS, Dharwad, released a book on "Aluminium Cooker."

Prabhu Kumar, Zonal Coordinator of ICAR Transfer of Technology Projects, Bangalore, said the kendras at Kasaragod and Hassan had bagged the best KVK Award.

Jayaprakash Hegde, MLA, presided over the function.

Laxman Hiregowdar, Director of the K.H. Patil KVK, welcomed the gathering.

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