Krishi Vigyan Kendra, S.A.S. Nagar scientists attended the ‘Innovative Farmers Meet’ held at
National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi. This meet was organised on the occasion of 91st Foundation Day and Award Ceremony of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & President of the ICAR Society, hailed the contribution of farmers in economic growth of country and called them as assets of country. The farmers play a pivotal role in the society as they are the real lifelines of the country, he added. He urged to contribute in realizing the goal of doubling farmers’ income by the year 2022 envisioned by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. He appealed for holistic approach to develop techniques to overcome various problems faced by agricultural community more effectively and efficiently. Sh. Parshottam Rupala and Sh. Kailash Choudhary, both Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare also graced the occasion.
Being nominated by ICAR-ATARI Zone-I Ludhiana, Dr. Yashwant Singh, Deputy Directory (Trg.) participated in the meet along with his colleague Dr. Vikas Phulia, Assistant Professor (Fisheries). Discussing about the program, Dr. Singh told that several innovative farmers from various parts of the country participated in this meet and displayed their technologies. In addition, many self-help groups and start-ups associated with various 
KVKs/SAUs and ICAR Institutes also displayed their innovative techniques. The major focus of this program was to share farm level innovations which have resulted in income enhancement.
Two progressive farmers associated with KVK, Mohali namely Sh. Sanjit Singh Sidhu and Sh. Avtar Singh also displayed their innovative work in the exhibition organised during meet. Sh. Sidhu practices integrated pig-cum-fish farming on scientific basis and has been awarded Chief Minister Award in year 2018. He is also involved in the processing and value addition of pork and prepares various value added products such as pork pickle, salami, pork chopps, Ham, Sausages, Bacon etc. which fetches higher price and popular amongst consumers. Dr. Phulia told that after getting guidance from KVK, Mohali, there has been manifold jump in total farm income of Sh. Sidhu. Another progressive farmer, Sh. Avtar Singh, also a state awardee, displayed his innovative technology regarding cultivation of organic turmeric and its value addition for higher profit in the form of poster. Both the farmers thanked KVK Mohali and ICAR-ATARI Zone-I Ludhiana for giving them a platform for their work to be recognized at national level.
