Srinagar, Dec 17: The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pulses, Srinagar Centre, DARS-SKUAST-Kashmir, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) initiative, has successfully carried out a series of targeted outreach programs aimed at empowering tribal farmers in the Budgam and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Sponsored by ICAR-IIPR Kanpur and organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir, the programs focused on disseminating advanced pulse production technologies, modern agricultural practices, and resource-based support to uplift tribal farming communities.
Led by Principal Investigator Prof. S.A. Dar and In-Charge Pulse Programme Dr. Latief Ahmad from DARS Rangreth, SKUAST-K, these initiatives emphasized the adoption of scientific interventions to enhance productivity, promote sustainable farming, and improve farmers’ socio-economic well-being.
The programs included hands-on training on critical aspects such as optimal sowing time, irrigation techniques, disease and pest management, and climate-resilient pulse varieties, specifically tailored for high-altitude regions. Special emphasis was laid on educating farmers about nitrogen-fixing pulses to improve soil fertility and ensuring food security.
The programs, held in Nagbal (Budgam), Khiram (Anantnag), Kapran (Verinag), and Charari Sharif (Budgam), witnessed enthusiastic participation, highlighting the keen interest of farmers in transforming their agricultural practices.
Prof. S.A. Dar lauded the collaboration with ICAR-IIPR Kanpur and the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir, emphasizing that the success of the program stems from coordinated scientific outreach and resource-sharing efforts. Dr. Latief Ahmad highlighted the transformative impact of the TSP programs, particularly in bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring tribal farmers have access to modern technologies and essential inputs for sustained agricultural growth.
