ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Agriculture minister Gabriel D Wangsu convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders and officials, including the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the state here on Wednesday.

The “landmark meeting” aimed to optimize the role of KVKs in enhancing productivity and efficiency in the agriculture and allied sectors.

During the meeting, Wangsu emphasized the need for efficient utilization of KVK services and stronger coordination among KVKs, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and state agriculture departments. He highlighted that KVKs demonstrating exceptional growth and development would be recognized and incentivized, stressing the importance of preserving and developing local germplasm.

"Instead of relying solely on hybrid and high-yielding crop varieties, we must also focus on enhancing traits of locally available plant varieties better suited for our region," Wangsu urged.

Addressing concerns about the suspension of allowances for KVK staff by ICAR-ATARI, with the subsequent financial burden falling on the state government, the minister committed to escalating the issue to higher authorities.

He also proposed that recruitment rules for KVKs under state administration be aligned with those of KVKs under ICAR, suggesting direct recruitment by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).

Advisor to the Agriculture minister Talem Taboh underscored the necessity of constructing proper boundary walls around KVKs to secure their assets and land.

Agriculture Production Commissioner Vivek Pandey advised KVKs to utilize their allocated land effectively for demonstration and research to prevent encroachment issues.

Horticulture secretary Koj Rinya urged KVKs to earn the confidence of the state government and public by integrating modern technologies into their research and activities, moving away from outdated methods. She also noted a lack of proper projection of development activities to farmers.

AHV&DD and Fisheries secretary Hage Tari advocated for the incorporation of innovative technologies and practices to support developmental activities carried out by KVKs.

ATARI Zone VI director Dr G Kadirvel called for improved coordination between KVKs and all agriculture and allied departments, stressing the need for collaboration to advance the state’s farming communities.

The meeting concluded with a focus on holistic engagement of KVKs in agriculture and allied sector development. Emphasis was placed on leveraging KVK expertise to drive growth, promote new technologies, and ensure effective coordination with Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and state-funded initiatives.

Directors of all agriculture and allied departments, along with senior scientists and heads of all 17 KVKs in the state, actively participated in the discussions, committing to work in concert to accelerate growth in these critical sectors.