Kupwara, Oct 22:The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kupwara, organised an interactive farmers’ meeting at the KVK premises to promote grassroots innovations and technological solutions emerging from the informal sector.
The event aimed at disseminating innovative technologies supported by NIF and encouraging local farmers to adopt cost-effective and sustainable practices for enhanced productivity and livelihood generation.
Almost more than 30 progressive farmers from different areas of Kupwara district participated in the programme, along with scientists from KVK Kupwara. Prof Kaiser Mohi-ud-Din Malik Qaiser Head KVK Kupwara, urged farmers to come forward with their creative ideas and innovations for possible support through NIF–India. He emphasised the importance of local ingenuity in addressing region-specific agricultural challenges.
During the session, participants were briefed about various innovations and dissemination activities of NIF, particularly technologies developed and supported by grassroots innovators across the country. Mir Parvaiz Ahmad from NIF–India delivered a detailed presentation showcasing several innovations and technologies designed to improve agricultural efficiency and rural livelihoods.
Among the showcased innovations were the Spade-cum-Hoe, Walnut Peeler, Walnut Cracker, Sanitary Napkin Machine, Multi-Processing Machine, and several improved crop varieties such as Sandip Piyaz (an improved onion variety), Nath Jumboo Seedless Grapes, Durga-4 Improved Carrot, HRMN-99 Improved Apple, and HZKB-1 Brinjal Variety. The presentation also highlighted herbal-based innovations developed by local innovators.
The farmers displayed keen interest in technologies like the Spade-cum-Hoe, Jumboo Nath Seedless Grapes variety, and Walnut Peeler, appreciating their potential to enhance productivity and reduce manual drudgery.
The event concluded with an interactive session where farmers shared their feedback and suggestions. The initiative by NIF–India and KVK Kupwara is expected to create a strong linkage between grassroots innovation and agricultural advancement in the Kupwara district, fostering a culture of creativity and self-reliance among the local farming community.
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