Srinagar, Feb 14: 34th Extension Council Meeting of SKUAST-Kashmir was conducted through hybrid mode on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension/Education, Mr. Mohd Iqbal Chaudhary, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Prof. Rajbeer Singh, ADG (AAF&CC) ICAR-Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan New Delhi, Prof. Nasib Singh, Professor (Ext Edu), Senior Coordinator, KVK Kurekshetra also participated in the meeting. Besides Directors, Deans, HoD’s of SKUAST-Kashmir, Joint Directors, representatives of line departments and progressive farmers attended the meeting.
The purpose of the said meeting is to take stock of the progress in the dissemination of technologies developed by SKUAST-Kashmir for their ultimate adoption by the farmers. Besides, reviewing the coordination with line departments; discussing new proposals in agriculture and allied sectors and receiving feedback from the Directors of line departments and progressive farmers, publication from SKUAST-K titled “Management Guide for Apple Orchards in Kashmir” and a book entitled “Diagnostic Guide for Veterinary Clinicians” were released.
Vice Chancellor in his speech explained the extension in broader perspective and emphasized on collaborative research and extension activities for the welfare of the farming community. He congratulated all the scientists of the University for their contribution in view of the posthumous bestowed Bharat Ratna award to M.S. Swaminathan in recognition of his monumental contributions to nation in agriculture and farmer’s welfare. He stressed for the cyber extension system and advisories for farmers in respect of changing climate scenario of the valley. Moreover, he deliberated for the finalization of the contingency plan for the coming Kharif season with due emphasis on Millets in the same.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension presented a documentary titled “From Skilling to Start-ups” and the extension activities undertaken during the year. He highlighted the progress made by the constituent units of SKUAST-Kashmir on various agenda items and also progress of farmers under the supervision of Directorate of Extension and KVKs. He appreciated the role of KVKs, Research stations and Divisions and Units in formulating and disseminating the technologies to the end users.
Mohd Iqbal Chaudhary, Director Agriculture Kashmir in his address lauds the University and line departments for joint and coordinated efforts for the betterment of farming community and envisaged on research and development of agri based economy of the Kashmir as a parallel tool for the region against tourism. He stressed upon the role of University with regard to R&D in quality seed production, development of new resilient varieties and modern linkages for changing agri marketing system in the Valley.
The expert member Prof. Rajbeer Singh appreciated the role of University in technology evaluations, technology dissemination, skill development and capacity building of unemployed youth and their encouragement for start-ups which is now being highlighted at national level. Moreover, he emphasized on convergence, coordination and cooperation of the University with the line departments for robust development of the agriculture sector of the Kashmir and Ladakh.
Prof. Nasib Singh congratulated the University for its tremendous work in the agriculture sector and stressed on development of ICT based agriculture information system and marketing of the produce. Besides identification of the farm leaders and their exposure to research stations and training centers, he emphasized on data collection and training of subject matter specialists on real time participatory rural appraisal (PRA) to cope with the changing agriculture scenario and to indoctrinate behavioral changes in farmers to cultivate mountain specific niche crops in the Valley.
The officers of the line departments hailed the contribution of scientific fraternity in agriculture and allied sciences and research conducted on field oriented problems. Representative from the department of Animal Husbandry suggested for the development and commercial production of quality feeds and supplements for the dairy sector. Entrepreneurs and progressive farmers in their feedback appreciated the skill development programmes and different trainings conducted by various constituent units of the University. They also desired more such activities in future as these guarantee employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth.
