Kupwara, May,02: On the directions of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), a Seed Distribution-cum-Awareness Programme was organised today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara for the tribal farmers of the district.
The programme, held under the dynamic leadership of Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, was part of the ICAR Tribal Sub-Plan-funded project ‘Outreach of Technology and Distribution of Farming Tools for ST and Low-Income Farmers’. The initiative aimed to empower tribal and marginalized farmers through technological interventions and improved farming practices.
On this occasion, More than 300 farmers from various areas of Kupwara participated in the programme. During this, Quality maize and potato seeds were distributed among the farmers, many of whom expressed their gratitude to SKUAST-K for this unprecedented support. “This is the first time in my life we have received such good support from any agricultural authority,” said a 75-year-old farmer on the occasion.
The event was graced by MLA Kupwara, Mir Fayaz Ahmad, as Chief Guest. In his address, he appreciated the large turnout of tribal farmers and lauded the university’s outreach efforts. Recalling his contributions to strengthening KVK Kupwara during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he announced the sanctioning of a footbridge for the KVK premises to improve farmer accessibility. He also pledged personal support for agricultural activities in the district and proposed organizing similar initiatives across all blocks of Kupwara in collaboration with SKUAST-K.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasized the importance of natural farming and urged farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices as per SKUAST-K guidelines. She assured the farming community of continuous technological support and capacity-building initiatives.
Prof. Kaiser Mohi-ud-Din Malik, Head of KVK Kupwara, expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Director Extension, the Chief Guest, and participating farmers for making the programme a success. The event proceedings were conducted by Dr. Raies Ahmad Bhat.
Prominent officials and faculty present included Prof. Amal Saxena (Director Education, SKUAST-K), Prof. Liyaqat Choudhary (Incharge COD Cell KVK DOE), Prof. Javid Ahmad Magloo (Head KVK Pulwama and Project Investigator), Prof. Javid Ahmad Bhat (Head, Division of Soil Science, Wadura), and Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Dar (Division of Agronomy, FOA Wadura), besides the teaching and non-teaching staff of KVK Kupwara.
The programme marked a significant step in bridging the gap between agricultural research institutions and grassroots tribal farming communities, promising enhanced livelihood opportunities for the farmers
of the region.
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