Imphal, December 12 2009: Technology Week cum Kishan Mela which would continue for two days has begun from today at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Central Agriculture University at Andro.

Vice Chancellor of the University SN Puri inaugurated the event as chief guest.

Speaking at the occasion, SN Puri recounted that till 2004, there was no extension programme of the university.

Moreover, there was no resource station nor land of its own where experimental cultivation could be taken up.

However, the University is now fortunate enough to have all these facilities along with setting up of a KVK at Andro with the co-operation and support of the local people.

Now many schemes are also there for taking up scientific research at this KVK.

So far, around 800 quintal of rice of different varieties produced by the University have benefited the people of Andro.

Nonetheless, to ensure full benefit of the research centre to the people of Andro, the Vice Chancellor pointed out the need for harvesting rain water properly so that the field could be irrigated for cultivation around the year.

He also announced that from next year, KVK Andro would include Sericulture project in its activities apart from promoting piggery farms as a component.

On top of this, the University would be expanding its activities in ensuring supply of day-old Giri Raja to the College of Horticulture at Pasighat.

Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor drew the attention of the scientists and teachers of the University to the need for opening not only a solar dryer unit for Ginger and Tumeric products within the complex of KVK Andro but also installing processing unit of various crops.

Presided over by Registrar of the University Dr M Premjit Singh, the inaugural function was also attended by Director of Department of Sericulture, Government of Manipur K Thaibemma Devi; Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Dr Th Jiban Singh and Dean of College of Agriculture, Central Agriculture University Prof N Iboton Singh as guests of honour.

In all 20 stalls including that of KVKs in different districts, Sericulture Department, CAU.

Fisheries Department, Irabot Foundation, IBSD and other individual progressive farmers are taking part in the Technology cum Kishan Mela.

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