Handwara,Jun,23: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable horticulture and strengthening scientific pest management practices among orchardists, an awareness programme on the management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ALBM) was organised at Sheikh-ul-Alam Environment Hall, Handwara, in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

The programme was organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Kupwara, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) projects “Minimizing Pesticides” and “Organic Farming.”

Around 150 apple growers from different horticultural zones of Kupwara district participated in the programme, reflecting the increasing concern among farmers regarding emerging pest threats and the need for scientific interventions.

The event was attended by Professor-cum-Chief Scientist and Programme Coordinator Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir, District Horticulture Officer Kupwara Iftikhar Ahmad, Prof. Tariq H. Askarey, Dr. Mudasir Gani, Dr. Faisal Ahmad Bhat from KVK Kupwara, Dr. Khursheed Habib, Horticulture Development Officers, field functionaries and other officials.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sajad Mohiuddin Mir delivered a detailed presentation on Apple Leaf Blotch Miner, highlighting its identification, biology, seasonal occurrence, nature of damage and economic significance. He emphasised the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, including orchard sanitation, conservation of natural enemies, regular monitoring, pheromone-based technologies and the need-based use of registered insecticides.He stressed that timely intervention is crucial to minimise crop losses and protect the livelihoods of apple growers.

Dr. Mudasir Gani demonstrated various technologies for early detection and effective management of the pest. Practical demonstrations on the installation and use of pheromone traps were conducted, providing farmers with hands-on experience in pest monitoring and control.

Speaking on the occasion, DHO Kupwara Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr Khursheed Habib and HDO Suhail Ahmad highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between scientists, extension workers and farmers for effective pest management and improved orchard productivity.

As part of the awareness initiative, technical pamphlets, extension literature and pheromone traps were distributed among the participating farmers to encourage scientific monitoring and sustainable pest management practices.

The participating growers appreciated the initiative and called for more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Horticulture Development Officer Suhail Ahmad, who expressed gratitude to all scientists, officials, apple growers and stakeholders for their active participation and support.

The event underscored SKUAST-Kashmir's commitment to promoting sustainable horticulture and strengthening the linkage between scientific research and farming communities across Kashmir.

Baramulla,Jun,19: In an effort to strengthen scientific pest management practices among orchardists, an awareness programme on the management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner was organised at Tujjar Sharief in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The programme was sponsored by SKUAST-K and held at the Community Hall in the village, drawing the participation of a large number of apple growers from the area.

Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, attended the event as the chief guest, while Prof. Mohammad Jamal Ahmad, Head of the Division of Entomology, was the guest of honour. District Horticulture Officer Jagjeet Singh, scientists, research scholars and officials from the Department of Horticulture were also present.

During the programme, experts from the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir, educated farmers about the identification, importance and effective management of the Apple Leaf Blotch Miner, a pest that poses a serious threat to apple production.

The experts highlighted the importance of integrated pest management practices, including the use of pheromone traps, safe and judicious application of insecticides, proper timing of spray schedules and post-harvest management techniques to reduce the risks associated with excessive pesticide use.

Practical demonstrations on the installation and use of pheromone traps were also conducted to provide farmers with hands-on experience in pest monitoring and control.

The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and urged the university to organise more such awareness programmes to enhance their knowledge and improve orchard productivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mohammad Jamal Ahmad thanked the farmers for their active participation and assured them of continued scientific support and guidance for effective management of apple pests in the future.

The programme underscored SKUAST-K's commitment to promoting sustainable horticulture and strengthening the connection between scientific research and farming communities across Kashmir.

Baramulla,Jun,18: In a remarkable display of India’s rich cultural diversity, Shaam-e-Shafqat 2026, a vibrant cultural festival, was held at Zorawar Hall, Pattan, bringing together the colourful traditions and artistic expressions from different parts of the country.

Jointly organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Indian Army, the one-day festival served as a tribute to national unity and a celebration of India’s enduring cultural heritage.

The event featured renowned artists from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Rajasthan and Kashmir, who enthralled the audience with captivating performances that reflected the unique traditions of their respective regions.

From energetic folk dances and soulful musical renditions to traditional storytelling and vibrant costumes, the festival transformed the venue into a living representation of India’s rich and diverse cultural landscape. Each performance highlighted the beauty of regional traditions while reinforcing the spirit of togetherness that binds the nation.

More than 400 students from 20 local schools and madrassas across North Kashmir participated in the programme. Besides enjoying the performances, the students gained valuable insight into the cultural richness and heritage of different parts of the country.

The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students, artists and members of civil society. Continuous applause and active audience engagement reflected the appreciation for such initiatives aimed at promoting cultural understanding and social harmony.

Beyond entertainment, Shaam-e-Shafqat carried a deeper message of preserving, promoting and popularising India’s cultural legacy while strengthening the bond between the youth of North Kashmir and the wider cultural fabric of the nation.

The festival stood as a powerful embodiment of India’s philosophy of “Unity in Diversity”, leaving behind a lasting impression of joy, pride and togetherness among all those who attended.

More than just a cultural event, Shaam-e-Shafqat 2026 emerged as a celebration of India’s pluralistic spirit and a meaningful step towards fostering cultural integration, mutual respect and national unity.

On two solemn anniversaries—the 29th Death Anniversary of literary colossus Syed Manzoor Hashmi and the 8th Martyrdom Anniversary of fearless journalist Dr Syed Shujat Bukhari—Kashmir witnessed a rare moment of united remembrance. The tribute came from Agha Syed Karar Hashmi, an Islamic scholar and grandson of the late poet, currently pursuing advanced studies at the Hauza-Ilmia Qom in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a stirring press statement, Agha Hashmi described both departed souls as "the two bright stars from Village Kreeri and Watergam in North Kashmir's Baramulla"—a land that gifted Kashmir a poet who shaped its language and a journalist who bled for its truth. The Poet Who Built a Language, The Journalist Who Died for Peace. 

In a significant announcement, the grandson of Syed Manzoor Hashmi told the press that he will soon organise a grand function in the holy city of Qom, Iran, dedicated to showcasing and celebrating his grandfather's monumental contributions to Kashmir's rich culture and literature. 

Agha Syed Karar Hashmi extended his sincere gratitude to all cultural and literary circles across Kashmir who, year after year, continue to remember these great personalities with dignity and devotion. He acknowledged their unwavering efforts in keeping the legacies of Syed Manzoor Hashmi and Dr Syed Shujat Bukhari alive—an inspiration for future generations.

Late Syed Manzoor Hashmi, remembered on his 29th death anniversary, was not merely a writer but an institution. Hailing from Watergam in North Kashmir, his legendary poetic works—Garmal, Loluk Sargam, and Ichhar Phula—earned him the State Academy of Culture award. A critic, researcher, educator, and master of prose, he shaped Kashmiri literature for generations. On this occasion, his sons—Syed Sarwar Hashmi and Syed Azhar Hashmi, both accomplished poets in their own right—fondly remembered their beloved father, honouring his timeless legacy and the literary path he illuminated for their family and for Kashmir.

Dr Dryed Shujat Bukhari was brutally silenced on June 14, 2018, during the holy month of Ramadan. He was observing his fast (Roza) when terrorists indiscriminately opened fire on him while he was seated inside his vehicle, martyring him in cold blood. Agha Hashmi condemned the heinous act, saying: "He gave his blood hoping for peace. His departure left a void that no words can fill. Hell to terrorism and its perpetrators. " Bukhari also served as president of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, tirelessly championing the Kashmiri language.

"From the seminary in Qom to the valleys of Kashmir, my heart bows to these two giants," Agha Karar Hashmi said. He prayed to Almighty Allah to bless both departed souls with the highest station in Jannat-ul-Firdous—united once more, as they were in life, through their profound love for Kashmir and its voice.

Srinagar, June 11: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a review meeting to assess the saturation status of Individual Beneficiary Schemes being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting reviewed progress and saturation levels achieved under major flagship programmes, including UMEED, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin (SBM-G), Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), and HIMAYAT.

The meeting was attended by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Mission Director, JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma; Chief Operating Officer, HIMAYAT, Rajneesh Gupta; Joint Director Planning, Kamal Kumar Sharma; and Additional Secretary to Government (Member Secretary, MGNREGA), Waseem Raja.

Emphasizing the need for robust monitoring and evidence-based planning, the Secretary called for a comprehensive reporting framework capturing current status, achievements, targets, pipeline activities, and future projections in a structured manner. He directed officers to undertake detailed situation analyses before finalizing future targets and stressed that planning should be firmly grounded in field realities.

The Secretary instructed officials to present scheme-wise and district-wise achievements separately, along with comparative progress since April 2026. He further directed departments to revisit and update saturation targets wherever necessary to ensure that all figures accurately reflect the latest achievements.

To provide a holistic picture of rural development interventions, he also called for the inclusion of key indicators such as the Lakhpati Didi initiative and other service delivery schemes in departmental reports.

Reviewing progress under UMEED, the meeting was informed that the programme has surpassed its Self Help Group (SHG) formation targets, with 96,595 SHGs formed and more than 8.10 lakh rural households mobilized, significantly strengthening women-led economic development across villages. The Secretary directed officials to ensure that updated household coverage figures and community achievements are adequately reflected in all reports and presentations.

Under MKSP, all 176 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Integrated Farming Clusters have been completed, covering over 51,000 SHG households. The Secretary sought detailed information regarding fund utilization, expected allocations and implementation timelines.

While reviewing HIMAYAT and other livelihood programmes, he stressed the importance of benchmarking current achievements against previous performance indicators. The meeting was informed that under the HIMAYAT programme of DDU-GKY 1.0 phase more than 35,700 youth have been trained, while the new DDU-GKY 2.0 phase has already trained 1700 candidates under the 2025–28 Action Plan with scheme target of 32,000 youth to be trained.

Under MGNREGA, the Department has nearly achieved its annual target by generating 444.39 lakh person-days, providing significant employment and livelihood support to rural households across Jammu and Kashmir.

The housing and sanitation sectors have also registered substantial progress. Under PMAY-G, over 3.24 lakh rural houses have been completed against a target of 3.34 lakh houses, reflecting significant advancement towards rural housing saturation. Similarly, SBM-G has achieved 100 percent saturation in ODF Plus Model Villages and Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), marking a major milestone in rural sanitation and cleanliness.

The Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) has also supported thousands of rural entrepreneurs by promoting sustainable self-employment opportunities and strengthening the local rural economy.

The Secretary directed officers to include explanatory notes and analytical observations beneath all data tables to facilitate informed decision-making. He further instructed officials to strengthen field-level monitoring, regularly review organizational performance, and systematically incorporate feedback from districts and implementing agencies.

He observed that achievements under individual beneficiary schemes are closely linked to effective mobilization, community participation and timely interventions.

Reaffirming the Department’s commitment to achieving saturation of all eligible beneficiaries under flagship schemes, the Secretary emphasized that focused planning, accurate data management and continuous monitoring would remain central to achieving the Department’s development objectives across Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar June 11:- Legend Folk singer, Dancer & Sarangi player Ustaad Ghulam Nabi Bulbul was remembered this morning on his 1st death anniversary at his last resting place at Batsuma Dangiwacha in Rafiabad in a simple but a graceful way..Fateha khwani was offered at his grave & flower petals were offered by his admirers & students of the academy,BAPA, found by him ..Chairman Rafiabad civil society Basharat Meraj lead the prayers ,joined him were veteran writer thinker Shahnaz Rasheed,Sahitya Ekademy awardee Nisar Azam , promising voice Elyas Azad,& patron Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts ,Rafiabad(BAPA) Dr Rafeeq Masoodi.Students later performed all those songs once performed by legend Bulbul sahab...Shahnaz Rasheed termed Late Bulbul sahab as the unique combination of voice & stage...as he would put stage in fire while giving his performance...Nisar Azam hoped that his son also a famous poet Sarwar Bulbul will not only continue with his father's legacy but will enhance its statute...Dr Rafeeq Masoodi who has been a close associate of late Bulbul saheb for decades remembered him as a Blend of old & new forms of singing & performances through which he created a niche for himself."His sung items still mismirise listeners & viewers whenever they are aired by Radio ,TV or On social Mediums",said Masoodi.

MINAMARG, June 9: The earth trembled with purpose this morning at the Zojila Pass as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

pressed the detonator, igniting the breakthrough blast that would reverberate far beyond these snow-capped Himalayan

peaks. In that singular moment of controlled explosion, India achieved something that has eluded the region for

generations—the promise of year-round connectivity that transcends the whims of winter and the merciless power of

nature.

The Zojila Tunnel, Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel project, has reached a defining moment. Over 13 kilometers of

excavation work now stands complete, with the tunnel boring machines operating from both ends finally converging deep

within the mountain. What began as an ambitious dream to conquer one of the Himalayas' most formidable barriers is

rapidly becoming tangible reality. The ₹6,500-crore project, which has consumed years of meticulous planning and

relentless effort, moved dramatically closer to its completion today with this historic breakthrough.

The Geography of Isolation

To understand the magnitude of this achievement, one must first comprehend the cruelty of geography that has defined

life in Ladakh for centuries. The Zojila Pass, standing at an elevation of 11,575 feet, is the sole land gateway between

Srinagar and Ladakh. It is a passage that nature has rendered nearly impassable for much of the year. When winter

descends upon the Himalayas, the pass becomes a wall of snow and ice, forcing authorities to close the 280-kilometer

highway that connects these two regions. What follows is months of enforced isolation.

During the winter closure—typically from November through April—the residents of Ladakh find themselves cut off from

the rest of India by road. Supply trucks cannot move. Emergency medical cases cannot be easily evacuated. Students

studying outside the region cannot return home. Elderly people separated from their families by the mountains lose

months of potential connection. For the military, it means the logistics of maintaining border security become

exponentially more complex and costly.

"The Zojila Pass has always been our nemesis," says a veteran driver who has navigated these treacherous curves for

nearly three decades. "We have lost too many friends, too many colleagues to avalanches and whiteout conditions. The

tunnel is not just infrastructure. It is freedom."

An Engineering Triumph Against Nature

The breakthrough ceremony today was far more than a ceremonial gesture. It represented the culmination of extraordinary

engineering effort in one of the world's most hostile environments. Boring through the Himalayan mountain range at this altitude presents challenges that few tunnel projects anywhere have faced The ground composition shifts unpredictably—from stable rock to fractured shale, from water-bearing strata to zones

prone to collapse. The seismic activity in the region adds another layer of complexity. Temperature fluctuations are

extreme. The workforce itself faces constant challenges from altitude-related health issues. Yet, despite these obstacles,

the project has advanced according to schedule, a testament to the technical expertise and determination of the engineers

and construction workers involved.

The tunnel's bi-directional design is a critical feature that distinguishes it from many other mountain tunnels worldwide.

Rather than forcing traffic to alternate directions or creating bottlenecks, the tunnel allows vehicles to travel in both

directions simultaneously, each with its own dedicated lane. This design choice reflects international best practices and

ensures optimal traffic flow while maintaining safety standards.

The breakthrough was achieved through the convergence of two tunnel boring machines—one excavating from the

Srinagar side and one from the Ladakh side. Coordinating these machines to meet precisely underground, separated by

rock yet working toward the same goal, required millimeter-level accuracy and constant monitoring. The successful

breakthrough blast today confirmed that this precision had been achieved.

Strategic Importance Beyond the Highway

While the civilian benefits of the Zojila Tunnel are substantial, the project's strategic significance cannot be overstated.

Ladakh sits at the frontiers of India's national security. The region borders China and Pakistan, making it critical to India's

defense posture. Currently, maintaining military readiness in Ladakh during winter requires expensive and logistically

complex operations involving airlift capacity and alternative routes that add considerable cost to defense preparations.

The tunnel will revolutionize these logistics. Supplies, personnel, and equipment can now move swiftly and continuously

throughout the year. Casualty evacuation becomes faster and more reliable. The cost of maintaining security infrastructure

in the region will decrease substantially. The strategic advantages of year-round road connectivity in a sensitive border

region are immense.

"This tunnel is not just about convenience," acknowledged officials present at the breakthrough ceremony. "It is about

national security and India's strategic reach in the Himalayan region."

Transformation of a Region

The economic implications of the Zojila Tunnel extend far beyond logistics and defense. Ladakh has emerged in recent

years as one of India's premier tourism destinations, attracting adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and travelers from

across the globe. The Leh-Ladakh highway has become legendary among motorcycle and car enthusiasts, but its seasonal

closure has severely limited tourism potential.

Currently, tourism operators must plan their entire season around the winter closure. Many businesses operate at reduced

capacity or shut down entirely during certain months. Hotels struggle with seasonal fluctuations. Tour operators cannot

offer consistent year-round services. The tunnel will transform this landscape entirely.

Once the tunnel becomes operational, Ladakh will be accessible year-round. Winter tourism, currently nearly non-existent,

will become viable. Snow-based activities, winter trekking, and cultural tourism during the quieter months will open new

revenue streams. The entire regional economy—hotels, restaurants, transport services, handicraft businesses, and guides will benefit from extended operational seasons

In Srinagar, the implications are equally significant. Currently positioned as primarily a summer destination, the Valley's

tourism sector will gain new opportunities for winter visitation. The enhanced connectivity will facilitate easier passage for

traders, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs, strengthening the economic bonds between the two regions.

A Long Journey Nearing Its Destination

The breakthrough today marks a crucial milestone, but it is not the finish line. Subsequent phases of the project remain

substantial. The interior finishing of the tunnel must be completed—lining the walls, ensuring structural integrity, and

preparing the surface for traffic. Sophisticated ventilation systems must be installed to manage air quality within the 13-

kilometer passage. Advanced lighting systems will be deployed throughout the tunnel to ensure safe driving conditions.

Emergency refuges, fire suppression systems, and communication infrastructure must be installed and tested

meticulously.

The tunnel must be equipped with intelligent traffic management systems, CCTV surveillance, and automated incident

detection capabilities. All systems must be tested exhaustively before the tunnel is opened to public traffic. International

safety standards for road tunnels must be met and verified. This phase of work, while less dramatic than the breakthrough

excavation, is equally critical to the project's success.

Officials estimate that the remaining work will take several years, though completion timelines have been accelerating.

Each milestone brings the region closer to the transformative change that this project promises.

The Human Cost and Dedication

Behind every technical achievement lies human effort, often under extraordinary circumstances. Thousands of workers

have labored at high altitude in harsh conditions to make this tunnel possible. Engineers and technicians have worked in

challenging terrain, dealing with weather extremes and the physical toll of altitude. Project managers have coordinated

complex logistics across rugged mountain geography.

The breakthrough ceremony, while celebratory, is also a moment to acknowledge the dedication of these individuals.

Workers stood in the cold mountain air, many who had spent months or years at this location, witnessing the moment

when their efforts converged into a tangible breakthrough.

A Symbol of What Is Possible

The Zojila Tunnel represents something profound in the Indian consciousness. It symbolizes the nation's determination to

overcome geographical limitations through technological innovation and sustained effort. It demonstrates that even the

mightiest natural barriers can be conquered through human ingenuity, planning, and perseverance.

In the years to come, when families drive through this tunnel in the middle of winter to visit relatives in Ladakh, when truck

drivers transport goods unimpeded by seasonal restrictions, when tourists experience Ladakh in all seasons, and when

soldiers move supplies across the frontier with greater ease—in all these moments, the significance of today's

breakthrough will be fully realized.

For now, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's presence at the breakthrough ceremony underscored the national importance of

this project. His witness to the blast confirmed that India's government recognizes this achievement as a milestone worthy

of celebration and as a symbol of the nation's commitment to transforming infrastructure in its most fulfilment regions

As the dust settled on the Himalayan slopes this morning and the echo of the breakthrough blast faded into the distance,

one thing became clear: the Zojila Tunnel is no longer a distant dream. It is becoming a reality that will reshape life,

commerce, security, and opportunity in one of India's most strategic and beautiful regions. The mountains have been

pierced, and the promise of connection has moved measurably closer to fulfillment

Kreri, May 28: Krohen Cultural Forum Kreeri has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of renowned poet and writer Dr Bashir Badr, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to Urdu literature.

In a condolence message, President of the Forum, Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim said that Dr Bashir Badr was a shining figure in Urdu literature whose poetry beautifully captured themes of love, humanity, pain and the realities of life. He said the late poet’s literary contributions would continue to inspire generations and remain alive in the hearts of literature lovers.

He further stated that with the demise of Dr Bashir Badr, Urdu literature has lost a distinguished poet, thinker and an extraordinary personality whose works earned admiration across literary circles.

The Forum also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, members of the literary fraternity and admirers of the late poet, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.

Handwara, May,21: The Department of School Education School Education Department Kupwara on Wednesday organized an Awareness Campaign and Mashal Launch Programme under the prestigious ATAL Tinkering Labs Initiative in Education Sub Division Handwara.

The programme was held under the guidance of the Chief Education Officer Kupwara through the District Nodal Officer, ATAL Tinkering Labs, and was inaugurated by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara in the presence of education officials, principals, headmasters, technical experts, and students from various educational institutions.

The campaign aimed to create awareness among students and teachers regarding innovation, robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and scientific learning under the ATAL Innovation Mission framework.

Speaking on the occasion, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara appreciated the efforts of the education department in promoting innovation-driven learning and stressed the importance of modern technological platforms in nurturing young talent.

Officials highlighted the role of ATAL Tinkering Labs in developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students and emphasized the effective utilization of ATL resources in schools.

The programme concluded with interactive sessions, technical demonstrations, and discussions on strengthening ATL activities across schools in Education Sub Division Handwara.

Kupwara, May 21:A comprehensive awareness-cum-training programme on vegetable cultivation, potato production, vermicomposting, and natural farming was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kupwara in collaboration with the Division of Olericulture, Faculty of Horticulture at the far-flung border area of Machil in district Kupwara.

The programme witnessed overwhelming participation of around 300 farmers, including a large number of youth and women farmers from the area. The main objective of the programme was to create awareness among the farming community regarding scientific vegetable cultivation, natural farming, vermicompost preparation, and livelihood generation through agriculture and allied sectors.

During the programme, a large quantity of agricultural inputs was distributed among the farmers to encourage vegetable cultivation and improve farm productivity in the region. Around 70 quintals of high-quality potato seed were distributed among selected farmers. Besides this, plastic buckets, vermicompost units, and seeds of 16 different vegetable varieties were also provided for the promotion of kitchen gardening and nutritional security.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. GM. Bhat highlighted the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. He elaborated on the preparation and benefits of vermicompost and stressed the adoption of natural farming techniques for maintaining soil fertility, reducing input costs, and producing healthy food. He said that integrated vegetable cultivation and natural farming can significantly improve the socio-economic condition of rural farmers, especially in remote border areas like Machil.

Dr. Ashfaq Abidi delivered an informative lecture on scientific potato cultivation practices and explained various aspects related to seed treatment, sowing methods, nutrient management, disease control, irrigation, and harvesting techniques for achieving higher productivity under local climatic conditions.

Dr. Faheema spoke in detail about scientific vegetable cultivation and management practices. She guided farmers regarding seasonal vegetable cultivation, nursery management, pest and disease control, balanced fertilizer application, and protected cultivation for enhancing vegetable production and farm income.

Among others, Dr. Ummia Masoodi emphasized the need for scientific cultivation of agricultural crops for livelihood generation and highlighted the importance of adopting modern farming technologies for improving the rural economy and employment opportunities.

Scientists from the Division of Vegetable Science and KVK Kupwara also interacted with the farmers and provided practical guidance regarding improved farming technologies, vegetable production, entrepreneurship opportunities, and rural employment generation. The experts encouraged unemployed youth to adopt agriculture and vegetable farming as a profession and become self-reliant through modern scientific farming practices.

Dr. G. M. Bhat thanked the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir and Director Extension Education for their continuous support and cooperation. He stated that the programme was organized in the remote border area as per the directions of the Vice-Chancellor with the objective of extending scientific agricultural technologies to the farming community at their doorstep.

The participating farmers appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K and KVK Kupwara for organizing such a beneficial programme in the remote border area and expressed gratitude for providing quality seed material, vermicompost units, and technical guidance.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers raised various field-related issues and received expert advice from the scientists.

Kreeri, May 9: In a landmark moment for the media community, former Law Minister Syed Basharat Bukhari along with MLA Wagoora- Kreeri Irfan Lone led the inauguration of the Press Club Kreeri at the Andrabi Complex, marking a new chapter for journalists in the Kreeri-Wagoora region.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Media Association Kreeri, brings together journalists under a unified platform aimed at addressing professional challenges, fostering coordination, and reinforcing the principles of ethical journalism. The newly established press club is expected to serve as a vital institution for amplifying public concerns and promoting responsible reporting.

Among those present on the occasion were MLA Kreeri-Wagoora Irfan Hafeez Lone, the Station House Officer Kreeri, the President of the Traders Federation Kreeri, the Block Medical Officer Kreeri, and several other prominent officials, all of whom lauded the initiative and extended their full support.

Addressing the gathering, the Station House Officer emphasised the indispensable role of journalism in society, describing it as the backbone of democracy and a key pillar in ensuring transparency and accountability. He called upon journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity while serving the public.

In a notable gesture of encouragement, the President of the Traders Federation Kreeri announced an immediate financial contribution of 11,000 rupees for the maintenance of the press club and assured continued support in the future.

President of the Baramulla Working Journalists Association, Zargar Gulzar, praised the collective effort and stressed the importance of unity among journalists, while General Secretary Omer Rashid reaffirmed full cooperation with the newly formed body.

The Media Association Kreeri, in its concluding remarks, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of journalists and maintaining professional excellence. It expressed confidence that the press club would emerge as a strong platform for addressing community issues and advancing the cause of fair and ethical journalism in the region.

Kupwara,May,07: Hachmarg village in the Ramhal area of Kupwara is fast emerging as one of Kashmir’s leading tomato-producing villages, where nearly 99 percent households are associated with tomato cultivation and vegetable farming.

The transformation of the village into a major tomato cultivation hub has been made possible through the continuous efforts and scientific guidance provided by (SKUAST-K) and the Agriculture Department, which have been actively promoting modern and scientific farming practices among local farmers.

Continuing its farmer outreach initiatives, the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with (KVK Kupwara), organised an impressive input and seed distribution programme at Hachmarg village under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) project titled “Transforming Tribal Agriculture in Kashmir: A Comprehensive Vegetable Development Initiative.”

During the programme, vegetable seeds and agricultural toolkits were distributed among around 150 farmers to promote scientific vegetable cultivation and strengthen the livelihood of tribal farming communities in the remote Ramhal area.

The scientists and experts present on the occasion encouraged farmers to adopt improved and scientific vegetable production technologies for enhancing productivity, better income generation and sustainable livelihood security.

The programme was attended by Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Head Division of Vegetable Science; Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary, CEO Seeds SKUAST-K; Prof. G.M. Bhat, Head KVK Kupwara; Dr. Asima Amin, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of the TSP Project; Dr. Mohammad Mudasir Magray, Assistant Professor, besides other teaching and non-teaching staff members from SKUAST-K and KVK Kupwara.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary and other experts spoke in detail about scientific farming techniques, modern cultivation tools and the importance of adopting advanced vegetable farming practices. The speakers also highlighted the role of SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth and Prof. Haroon Rashid in implementing various developmental projects under TSP, JKCIP and other farmer welfare schemes in Kupwara district.

Farmers of the village appreciated the continued support and regular field visits by SKUAST-K scientists and officials. They expressed gratitude for the timely distribution of quality seeds, farming tools and technical guidance, especially during difficult and crucial farming periods, and hoped for more developmental projects for the tomato-growing village in future.