Sopore, May 12: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers’ income through crop diversification, the Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir organized a one-day Interaction-cum-Demonstration Programme on “Production Technologies of Niche Crops” under HADP Project No. 2 titled “Promotion of Niche Crops in UT of Jammu & Kashmir.”

The programme was held at the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura with the objective of creating awareness among field functionaries of the Agriculture Department regarding scientific production technologies, improved management practices, and the economic potential of niche crops in the Kashmir Valley. More than 40 field functionaries from the Agriculture Departments of Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts actively participated in the programme.

Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir attended the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he highlighted the growing importance of niche crops in enhancing farm income, ensuring nutritional security, promoting crop diversification, and strengthening sustainable agricultural development in the region. He stressed the need for adopting modern and climate-resilient technologies to improve productivity and profitability.

The programme was coordinated by Prof. Bashir Ahmad Alie, who elaborated on the objectives and significance of HADP Project No. 2. He emphasized the role of scientific agronomic interventions in promoting niche crop cultivation among farming communities across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the programme, experts conducted field demonstrations on various aspects of niche crop production, including improved crop varieties, nutrient management, irrigation practices, weed management, and sustainable crop production technologies. Participants actively interacted with scientists and experts, discussing several field-level challenges and opportunities associated with niche crop cultivation.

The participants appreciated the efforts of the Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura for organizing such awareness and interaction-oriented programmes that facilitate the dissemination of innovative agricultural technologies among stakeholders.

The organizers also expressed gratitude to Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, along with the Directorate of Extension Education and other concerned departments for their support and encouragement in conducting the programme successfully.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr Rayees Ahmad.