Barmulla, Oct 15:In a significant step toward strengthening agricultural education and innovation, the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Jenab Javid Ahmad Dar, visited the Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, on Wednesday to review academic, research, and infrastructural advancements.
The Minister was warmly received by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, along with, Director Extension Prof Raihana Habib Kanth,Director Research Prof Haroon Rashid,Deans, and senior university officers.
During the visit, the Minister inaugurated several new facilities aimed at enhancing teaching, research, and student welfare. He also initiated the Rabi Sowing Campaign under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp program at the faculty farm, covering major rabi crops including oats, mustard, wheat, and kala zeera. The event highlighted the university’s progress in precision and smart agriculture, with the Minister personally participating in a drone-based spraying demonstration to promote modern farming techniques.
In a landmark development for campus welfare, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a new Medical Centre. He also inspected the University Auditorium, directing officials to equip it with high-tech LCD systems to support academic and cultural engagements.
Marking a major leap in crop research, the Minister inaugurated the High Throughput Phenotyping System and Speed Breeding Facility, which will significantly reduce crop breeding cycles and aid in developing climate-resilient varieties. He also inaugurated a 50,000-accession capacity Ex-situ Gene Bank, established with NABARD’s support, to conserve vital crop genetic resources.
The Minister also declared open the Annual Sports Week, encouraging students to balance physical activity with academic excellence. Later, he visited various faculty stalls showcasing innovative research and student projects, lauding their creativity and practical orientation.
Addressing a large gathering of faculty members, students, and farmers, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering agricultural research, innovation, and rural development. He urged for stronger linkages between scientists and farmers to ensure effective technology transfer and upliftment of the farming community.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, in his address, briefed the Minister about the university’s major achievements and future strategic plans, expressing confidence that continued government support would further strengthen the institution’s contribution to sustainable agriculture.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, Head, Division of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura.
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