Srinagar, Sep 24: Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices, SKUAST-Kashmir organized a one-day Input distribution-cum-Interaction meet sponsored by Department of Biotechnology.
Vice Chancellor of Varsity Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, visited the research station along with Director Research, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Director Agriculture Kashmir and Heads of KVKs.
The event was attended by the farmer’s and officers of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. While reviewing steps taken to improve the Saffron crop production in the Kashmir, Vice Chancellor desired that indoor and outdoor saffron cultivation should be carried out as per the package of practices developed at ARSSSS SKUAST-Kashmir, in all potential saffron growing areas of Kashmir so as to showcase and popularize the technologies developed by the SKUAST-Kashmir.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, also congratulated the scientists of the research station for their promising work especially the Indoor Saffron Technology, which will go a long way in the vertical farming of saffron under scarce land resource conditions in times to come. During the event 18 qtls (Indoor – 7.70 q and Outdoor 10.30q) of Saffron corms and Indoor Saffron Kits that included Iron Racks, Plastic Trays etc. were distributed among the farmers free of cost. Training was also imparted to farmers with respect to different facets of both indoor and outdoor saffron cultivation as per recommended package of practices.
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai took note of the concerns of the farmers of the Saffron growing areas and suggested some of the remedial measures. Urgent need was felt to customize the longstanding production technology with modern technological tools. Need to control the rapid urbanization and providing an assured irrigation to saffron was also underlined.
Prof. Tariq Hussain Masoodi, Director Research and Prof. D.M Makhdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir also spoke on the occasion and stressed that the technologies developed by SKUAST-Kashmir should be fully adopted by the farmers for better production.
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Jenab Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal assured to take due cognizance of the issues highlighted during the meet and to implement the guidelines on integrated saffron cultivation.
Earlier, Dr. B.A. Alie, Head of the Station highlighted the research initiatives being undertaken at the station and also briefed about the importance of the event.
