Srinagar, April 18: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) commemorated Tilhan (Sarson) Day at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani in Kulgam district of South Kashmir to celebrate the advancements in oilseed research and development.
The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nazir A. Ganai, as Chief Guest, accompanied by Director Research Professor Haroon R. Naik, Director Extension Professor Raihana H. Kanth, Joint Director Agriculture Mr Sartaj Ahmad Shah, officials from the Agriculture Department of Kulgam and Anantnag districts, SKUAST-K scientists, and a large gathering of farmers.
Professor Ganai commended the consistent contributions of MRCFC-Khudwani in the improvement of rapeseed, rice and wheat varieties, emphasising its pivotal role in ensuring food and nutritional security across the Union Territory. As part of a strategic initiative to strengthen oilseed self-sufficiency in Jammu and Kashmir, the event showcased promising pipeline varieties of rapeseed with an estimated yield advantage of 20 percent.
The Vice Chancellor underscored the Centre’s contributions in varietal development, germplasm conservation, crop protection, soil health management, and the development of production technologies. He reiterated the University’s vision to streamline seed availability across the Valley through Kisan Khidmat Ghars, established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). As part of this initiative, he announced plans to establish a dedicated seed company under SKUAST-K’s technical and administrative oversight, to ensure a sustained supply of high-quality seeds developed by the University.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of a modern, high-efficiency oil extraction mill at MRCFC-Khudwani, aimed at adding value to the oilseed supply chain. The Vice Chancellor encouraged that the facility be utilised at full capacity to benefit oilseed farmers throughout the Valley. Also inaugurated was a Bio-input Production Laboratory, developed under HADP. Professor Ganai instructed scientists to optimise its functioning and prioritise the development of crop-specific Trichoderma strains, to advance precision agriculture and targeted disease management strategies.
He further lauded the Centre’s cutting-edge work in soil health and agronomic research, encouraging greater public outreach through media engagement and extension services. Joint Director Agriculture, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, acknowledged the significant role of MRCFC-bred varieties in ensuring food security in the region. He highlighted the immense, yet untapped, potential to raise both the quality and quantity of oilseed production to meet global standards. The event stressed the urgent need for an Integrated Management Plan to address constraints in oilseed productivity. Key components would include the distribution of quality seeds, correction of nutrient imbalances, promotion of soil health, adoption of best agronomic practices, integrated disease and pest management, and the implementation of climate-resilient agricultural models. The Vice Chancellor called for greater synergy among scientists, agricultural officers, and farmers to implement recommendations effectively and unlock the full genetic potential of new high-yielding varieties.
