Srinagar, May 28: In a landmark move to revolutionise seed production in Jammu and Kashmir, SKUAST-K Wednesday launched a mega potato seed multiplication programme in the remote and pristine Gurez Valley. The initiative, spearheaded by the division of Vegetable Science, aims to enhance the region’s self-reliance in potato seed production and reduce dependency on seed imports. The programme was officially initiated on May 27 at Budugam village of Tulail Valley and adjoining areas, covering an expansive 150 kanals of land. Additionally, more than 75 percent of the cultivable area at MAR&ES and KVK Gurez has been brought under cultivation as part of this initiative.
In its first phase, the programme targets the production of 1,000 quintals of high-quality potato seeds, with plans to scale up production in subsequent years to meet the seed requirements of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. This strategic intervention will significantly reduce the region’s reliance on external seed sources, paving the way for a sustainable, self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem.
A dedicated team lead by Prof. H.R. Naik (Director Research), included Prof. Ishfaq Abidi (Head, Division of Vegetable Science), Chowdary M. Iqbal (CEO, Shalimar Beej), Prof. Syed Faheema Mushtaq (Principal Investigator, AICRP on Potato) and Head KVK Gurez Dr Hilal Ahmed Malik and other scientists from SKUAST-K participated in the programme. The programme is being implemented with the Division of Vegetable Science as the main collaborator, in partnership with AICRP (Potato), CPRI Shimla, MAR&ES Gurez, KVK Gurez, National Seed Project (NSP) and the HADP Network of SKUAST-K. Leveraging Gurez Valley’s unique agro-climatic conditions and natural resistance to common potato diseases, this initiative is a game-changer for the region’s agricultural landscape. It represents a critical step towards building a resilient, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable future for the farming community.
