Kupwara, July 26: In a significant outreach programme aimed at strengthening the farming community in the border areas, the top leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, along with Dr Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, and Director Extension Prof Raihana Habib Kanth, visited the Zero Line in Keran sector of Kupwara district on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The programme was organised under the supervision and guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, with the efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara. The delegation included scientists and non-scientific staff of KVK Kupwara, who travelled to one of the country's last border villages to interact directly with the farming community.

During the visit, the SKUAST-K and ICAR team inspected agricultural fields, interacted with local farmers, and discussed various modern farming practices to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen the rural economy. The experts encouraged farmers to adopt scientific and sustainable agricultural techniques for enhancing their income and ensuring long-term agricultural development.

As part of the outreach programme, the team distributed essential agricultural tools and equipment among farmers to support their farming activities and improve productivity in the remote border region.

Addressing the gathering, the visiting dignitaries stressed the importance of empowering border farmers and strengthening the country's internal economy through sustainable agriculture, technological interventions, and continuous scientific support. They reaffirmed SKUAST-K's commitment to ensuring that farmers living in remote and border areas receive equal access to agricultural innovations and extension services.

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the SKUAST-K delegation also participated in a commemorative programme organised by the Indian Army in Keran. The Vice-Chancellor, Director ICAR-ATARI, Director Extension, scientists, and other officials paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation during the Kargil War. Floral tributes were offered to honour the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs, while the gathering remembered their courage, patriotism, and dedication.

The delegation appreciated the invaluable role played by the Indian Army in safeguarding the nation's borders and acknowledged its continuous support towards the welfare and socio-economic development of border communities, particularly in facilitating agricultural and developmental initiatives.

Residents expressed gratitude to SKUAST-K for reaching the remote border village with scientific knowledge and practical support. They particularly appreciated the sustained efforts of KVK Kupwara, which, according to the locals, has been consistently working in the Keran region for nearly a decade by organising awareness programmes, training sessions, demonstrations, and farmer outreach activities for the overall development of the farming community.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from SKUAST-K and its extension wing to continue strengthening farmer-scientist linkages in border areas and to promote inclusive agricultural growth while honouring the spirit of national service and sacrifice symbolised by Kargil Vijay Diwas.