Srinagar, Feb 02: Divisional level orientation cum training programme of APEX projects concluded on Thursday, here at SKUAST- Kashmir.
The project was based on two programmes i.e., ‘Minimising pesticide use’ and “Rainfed agriculture”.
On the concluding day, programme was chaired by Prof. Sarfaraz A. Wani, Director Research, SKUAST-Kashmir and attended by Prof Tariq A Masoodi, Registrar SKUAST-K, Dr Raihana Habib, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, District Level Officers from Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry and Scientists of KVKs. Prof.
Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir joined the programme through virtual mode and appreciated the efforts of officers from line departments and scientists of SKUAST-Kashmir for making the programme success.
He stressed on the ground level implementation of the project in letter and spirit.
Director Research in his inaugural address in the morning session briefed about the need and importance of the project in view of the backdrop of non-judicious and indiscriminate use of pesticides in our valley viz-a-viz its health hazards and implications in future.
He shared that greater than 90 percent of 4080 MT pesticides are used in apple only for disease and pest management. It is worthwhile to mention that J & K ranking 4th in total pesticide consumption with highest per ha pesticide consumption in the country and spending 55% of production costs on crop protection, he said, adding that the project is formulated to minimize the pesticide use, reduce input costs by 20-40% and to provide quality and safe fruit production suitable for exports.
Dr. Tariq Rasool, Asstt. Professor, Division of Plant Pathology and Dr. Malik Mukhtar, Associate Professor Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir delivered the presentation.
During the second session, Director Research in his address highlighted that over 50% of cultivable land is rainfed with poor crop, livestock productivity and quality of produce leading to low farmer income.
“The project is aiming to adopt climate resilient and nutritionally smart crops varieties and improved breeds and promoting IFS/ILS. By way of increasing cropping intensity and post- harvest handling and agro processing facilities the farmers income will be increased to a great extent, he said.
