Srinagar, Sep 07: Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India on Thursday visited the Live Exhibition of Temperate Rice Biodiversity at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Khudwani here.
He was accompanied by Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganie; Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal; Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir, Director Research SKUAST Kashmir, Director Planning SKUAST Kashmir, ADC Kulgam,Dean- Faculty of Agriculture, Dean- Faculty of Horticulture, Chief Agriculture Officers of Kulgam and Anantnag, Programme Coordinators of south Kashmir KVKs and other officers from line departments.
On his arrival, the CEO undertook the field visit in which he was apprised in detail about the comprehensive research programme in place at the centre. He was informed about the distinguished achievements made by the centre during the past eight decades in rice and other field crops. He was greatly impressed by the meticulous local germplasm conservation programme going on at the centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Dalwai appreciated the scientists for their admirable research achievements and encouraged them to continue their good work for the betterment of the farming community. In his speech, he narrated his special relationship with Kashmir and its people and promised them all possible support.
He advised the farmers to fully benefit from the ambitious HADP program launched by the Government of J&K to increase their income from agriculture and allied sectors. He expressed hope that with the advent of varieties like SR-4, Kashmiri farmers will surpass their counterparts from Punjab and other parts of the country. He interacted with the farmers from different parts of Anantnag and Kulgam and heard their suggestions and demands.
In his speech, VC SKUAST Kashmir, Professor, Nazir Ahmad Ganie congratulated the centre for acting as a role model for the entire university and earning a name at the reputed national and international forums. Further, he expressed hope that GI tagging of Mushqbudji is just a beginning and there are many more to come.
Earlier, Director Extension Prof. D M Makhdoomi welcomed the guests and felicitated them in traditional Kashmiri style. In his speech, Director Research, Prof. Tariq Hussain Masoodi discussed the huge impact of MRCFC bed varieties at the ground level and remarked that more than 80% of the rice area in Kashmir valley is covered under these varieties. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair.
