JAMMU: A meeting was held today at the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo to deliberate on the collaborative role of PI RAHI – the Northern Region Science & Technology Cluster with the Agriculture Department Jammu.
The meeting was chaired by Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen, and attended by Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor, PI RAHI Northern Region Science & Technology Cluster.
Others present in the meeting included Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs) Dr. Ashwani Sharma; SMS-RL Sanjay Anand; Agriculture Economist Tilak Raj Sharma; Agronomist (VIS) Vikas Padha; Assistant Entomologist Rajesh Verma; SMS-DL Sandeep Dogra; M.D. UNATI Jyoti Saroop Sharma; Chairman, JKDCF and UAMMCL Vikrant Dogra, members of PI RAHI, senior officers and staff of the Agriculture Department.
The meeting aimed at exploring ways to synergize and strengthen the Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir and the wider Northern region, covering Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh under the PI RAHI cluster.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor PI RAHI, elaborated on the vision and initiatives of PI RAHI. She highlighted how the cluster is working as a platform to connect government bodies, research institutions, industry and start ups to develop region specific solutions in agriculture, environment, health, energy and rural livelihoods. She emphasized that PI RAHI is committed to bringing technology-driven innovation to the doorstep of farmers and expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Agriculture Department Jammu will open new avenues for growth.
Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the initiatives of PI RAHI and said that this collaboration will be a milestone for the agricultural landscape of Jammu Division. He added that with scientific interventions, research-based solutions and innovation clusters like PI RAHI, the future of agriculture in the region is promising, especially in enhancing productivity, promoting agri entrepreneurship and ensuring sustainability.
In his concluding remarks, Director Agriculture Jammu expressed gratitude to Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora and the PI RAHI team for their visit and deliberations. He assured that the Agriculture Department Jammu will work closely with PI RAHI to implement innovative projects that benefit farmers, uplift rural economies and strengthen the overall STI ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.