Kupwara, July 25: Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening agricultural research, innovation and farmer-centric extension services, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) convened the 20th Annual Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara on Saturday.

The meeting was chaired by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, who also serves as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee. It witnessed the participation of senior university officials, scientists, district officers, and progressive farmers from across Kupwara district.

Among the prominent dignitaries present were Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, who attended as the Guest of Honour, and Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, Dr. Parvender Sheoran, whose visit to KVK Kupwara marked his first official interaction with the institution. Heads of various KVKs, officers from line departments, scientists from the Directorate of Extension, KVK Kupwara staff, and progressive farmers also attended the meeting.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. G.M. Bhat, Head of KVK Kupwara, followed by a comprehensive presentation on the Action Taken Report, highlighting the centre's achievements during the past year, implementation of previous SAC recommendations, priority areas for intervention, and future strategies aimed at addressing emerging challenges in the agriculture and allied sectors.

An interactive session was held with representatives of various line departments and progressive farmers, who shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions. The discussions focused on ensuring that field-level realities are effectively incorporated into future research, extension programmes, and policy planning for the district.

Recognising excellence in agriculture, several progressive farmers were felicitated with appreciation certificates by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie for their outstanding contributions towards the adoption of scientific farming practices and innovation. The initiative was aimed at encouraging farmers to continue serving as role models within the farming community.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth appreciated the efforts of KVK Kupwara in introducing improved crop varieties, expanding farmer outreach programmes, and promoting entrepreneurship among rural youth. She underlined the need for stronger collaboration between scientists, farmers, and government departments to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

In his keynote address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie commended the dedication and performance of the KVK Kupwara team and urged the scientists to embrace innovation, strengthen technology transfer, and explore new opportunities to transform KVK Kupwara into one of the finest Krishi Vigyan Kendras not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country.

Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI Ludhiana, appreciated the centre's extension activities and stressed the importance of accelerating technology dissemination, promoting location-specific agricultural innovations, and strengthening farmer-centric interventions to enhance the effectiveness of the National Agricultural Research and Extension System.

The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Firdous Ahmad Raina, who expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Director Extension, Director ICAR-ATARI, scientists, officers of line departments, progressive farmers, and KVK staff for their valuable participation. He also acknowledged the support extended by the District Administration Kupwara and appreciated the media fraternity for consistently highlighting agricultural initiatives, promoting scientific awareness, and bridging the gap between researchers and the farming community.

The successful conduct of the 20th Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting reaffirmed SKUAST-K's commitment to developing resilient, technology-driven and farmer-oriented agricultural systems, while strengthening collaboration among research institutions, extension agencies and farming communities for sustainable rural development.