Kupwara,Feb,25:The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara organized a Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Input Distribution Programme aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of tribal farmers in the district. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Regional Fodder Station Shuhama, Ganderbal, and the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS) Budgam under the aegis of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. G. M. Bhat, Head of KVK Kupwara, who welcomed the chief guest Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, along with officials from collaborating institutions. Around 150 tribal farmers from various villages of Kupwara district participated in the programme and received agricultural and fodder inputs to enhance livestock-based farming and ensure fodder security.
Addressing the gathering, Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasized the importance of scientific fodder cultivation in strengthening the livestock sector, particularly in tribal and hilly regions. She highlighted that improved fodder management practices can significantly enhance farm productivity and income while helping farmers overcome seasonal fodder shortages during winter months.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Lone from DARS Budgam elaborated on dryland agricultural technologies and crop management practices suitable for rainfed farming conditions prevalent in Kupwara district.
During the programme, annual and perennial fodder grass seeds were distributed among farmers by officials of the Regional Fodder Station Shuhama, while improved agricultural inputs were also provided by DARS Budgam to promote sustainable farming practices.
Showkat Masoodi, Head of Civil Society Kupwara, appreciated the initiative and encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies introduced by SKUAST-Kashmir to improve productivity and resilience in changing climatic conditions.
Senior scientists of KVK Kupwara, including Dr. Firdous Ahmad Raina,Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hakeem, and Dr. Faisal Nabi Bhat, guided farmers on scientific fodder cultivation, balanced livestock nutrition, and effective utilization of the distributed inputs.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers shared field-level challenges and received expert recommendations. The initiative is expected to play a significant role in improving fodder availability and strengthening livelihood security among tribal farming communities in Kupwara district.
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