Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sikkal, Nagapattinam, organized the TNJFU 15 th Foundation Day Celebrations and Velaan Sangamam (VS–2026) at Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Nagapattinam on 19.06.2026 & 20.06.2026. Shri K. J. Praveen Kumar, I.A.S., District Collector, Nagapattinam, inaugurated the exhibition stalls showcasing innovative technologies, value-added products and developmental initiatives of agriculture, fisheries and allied sectors.
Dr. A. Gopalakannan, DEE, TNJFU, welcomed the gathering. Felicitation addresses were delivered by Dr. P. Chidambaram, Registrar, TNJFU; Dr. R. Thamizh Vendhan, Director, TNAU–TRRI; Mr. S. Kannan, Joint Director of Agriculture; Dr. G. Kalaiarasi, Joint Director of Animal Husbandry; Mrs. R. Sharmila, Joint Director of Fisheries; and Mr. Siva Parimelazhagan, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Nagapattinam.
Dr. N. Felix, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU, delivered the Presidential and Foundation Day Address, highlighting the University's contributions to fisheries education, research and extension, and explained the diverse career opportunities available to outgoing students in fisheries sectors. Shri K. J. Praveen Kumar, I.A.S., District Collector, Nagapattinam, delivered the Chief Guest Address and emphasized the importance of scientific farming, technology adoption and interdepartmental coordination for rural development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. V. Senthilkumar, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Sikkal. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, scientists, students, entrepreneurs and officials from various departments.
As part of Velaan Sangamam (VS–2026) organized by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagapattinam at Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), a series of technical sessions were conducted for the benefit of farmers, students and stakeholders from agriculture and allied sectors.
Dr. R. Shankar, Dean, PAJANCOA & RI, Karaikal, delivered a lecture on “Natural Farming for Living Soils”, while Dr. K. Jagadeesan, Associate Professor & Head, VC & RI, TANUVAS, Theni, spoke on the Role of pastoralism in conserving native livestock breeds. Crop insurance schemes by Mr. Arun, United India Insurance Company. Mr. Santhosh, Senior Research Fellow, FC&RI, Thoothukudi, explained about the PM-MKSSY Scheme. An interactive session on El Nino mitigation measures in the Cauvery Delta region was conducted by Delta Weatherman Mr. R. Hemachander, who shared weather- based advisories and climate-resilient strategies with farmers and stakeholders.
On the second day, 20.06.2026, the programme featured awareness campaigns on “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” (Save Agricultural Land Campaign) and Balanced Fertilizer Use, live webcast of the 23rd installment release of PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, technical sessions on Natural Farming for Healthy Living, and Smart Pest Shield for the Cauvery Delta, covering topics such as major crop pests, beneficial insects, insect life cycles, biological pest management, safe use of pesticides and Fish Culture experiences by progressive farmer. The event also included awareness sessions on various farmer-oriented schemes and financial services offered by State Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank, an awareness programme by Sharn Food Company, technical lectures on profitable fish farming, and interactive discussions between farmers and scientists.
Farmers visited and benefited from more than 30 exhibition stalls showcasing technologies and innovations related to agriculture and allied sectors.
The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries including the Joint Director (Extension), Directorate of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the Regional Manager of State Bank of India, the Senior Regional Manager of Indian Overseas Bank, and a leading Natural Farming Practitioner, who delivered technical lectures and interacted with participants. More than 2,000 participants, including farmers, farm women, rural youth, and entrepreneurs from the Cauvery Delta region, attended the event and benefited from the various technical sessions, exhibitions, and interactions.
The programme provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and dissemination of scientific technologies for sustainable development of agriculture, fisheries and allied sectors.