The three days annual zonal workshop of 72 KVKs of Zone-1 concluded today at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Around 90 delegates from various KVKs under Agricultural Technol
ogy Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-1 participated and shared their action plans for the coming year during the event. The valedictory session commenced with Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ATARI Zone 1, welcoming the dignitaries, audience and recollecting the key takeaways from the workshop.
The session was graced by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi as Chief Guest. He commended the dedication and collaborative efforts of the KVKs in advancing agricultural innovations.He emphasized the critical role of KVKs in ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest technologies and sustainable practices to improve productivity and income.
Dr. US Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), New Delhi graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. He stressed the need of evolving extension strategies and policies for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. 
He stated that KVKs can facilitate more collaborative research and innovation to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security. He emphasized th
at the convergence of the departments and farmer-scientist linkages can prove to be effective in technology adoption at the grassroots. The ceremony was further enriched by the remarks of Special Guest, Dr. JPS Gill, Vice Chancellor, Vet Varsity. He highlighted the importance of KVKs and impressed upon attracting the youth towards farming. He stated that value addition and better marketing of produce can fetch potential returns for the farmers. Dr. MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU Ludhiana also graced the occasion.
During the valedictory ceremony, the publications authored by scientists from various KVKs and ATARI were also released by the dignitaries. The Best KVK Award of Zone 1 was bestowed upon KVK Jalandhar. 
The overall running trophy for the Best Directorate of Extension Education along with cash prize of Rs. 1.00 Lakh was awarded to Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu. Among states and UTs, the Best KVK Awards were bestowed upon KVK Reasi from Ja
mmu region, KVK Pulwama from Kashmir region, KVK Tarn Taran and KVK Sangrur from Punjab, KVK Solan from Himachal Pradesh and KVK Haridwar from Uttarakhand. The Best Presentation Awards were also conferred to the participating scientists.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in various sessions, facilitated exchange of ideas, fostering spirit of co-operation and learning. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education who expressed gratitude to the organizing team, speakers, participants for their contributions to the success of the event.
