Bandipora, June 15: The 18th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1 and the 3rd SAC Meeting of KVK Bandipora-2 (Gurez) were successfully conducted on Saturday at the KVK Campus Potushai, Bandipora.
The meeting that marks a significant step towards advancing agricultural practices and boosting the income of farmers in the Bandipora and Gurez regions was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai. Notable attendees included Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, and Umar Shafi Pandith, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bandipor`a.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Maroof Ahmad Shah, Deputy Director Sheep Husbndry, Javaid Iqbal Samoon, Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora; Mr. Farooq Ahmad Tantry, Chief Horticulture Officer Bandipora; Dr. G.A. Lone, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Bandipora; and Dr. Irshad Ahmad, District Sheep Husbandry Officer. Officers from Floriculture, Fisheries, Sericulture, and Information Departments, as well as the Manager Lead Bank, were also present.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator of KVK Bandipora-1, and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Programme Coordinator of KVK Bandipora-2 (Gurez), presented the Annual Progress Reports for the year 2023-24 through PowerPoint presentations.
During the meeting, the Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture and KVKs in disseminating proven technologies and building the capacity of rural youth. The Chief Horticulture Officer emphasized the need for growers to transition from traditional to high-density orchards, which are more remunerative.
The Chief Animal Husbandry Officer noted that Bandipora district is self-sufficient in milk production and suggested that the fodder scarcity issue could be addressed through hydroponic fodder production, which yields high biomass in less time and space. The Deputy Director Sheep Husbandry mentioned on-going efforts to support sheep breeders and provide quality mutton to consumers. Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the KVKs in Bandipora and stressed the importance of their impact being felt across the district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandith stressed on skilling of youth for entrepreneurship development in the district. He also desired to develop strategies for fresh vegetable availability during winter months in Gurez valley.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai commended the KVKs for their role in technology dissemination and skill development among rural youth. He emphasized the cultivation of scented rice and high-yielding maize and pulse varieties to enhance farmers’ incomes. Prof. Ganai also highlighted the promotion of agriculture and allied sectors in Gurez valley while preserving regional traditions. He urged farmers and rural youth to take advantage of various schemes under the HADP.
The meeting also featured contributions from young agri-entrepreneurs and progressive farmers who shared their experiences. Scientists from the Kendra, including Dr. Tahir Saleem, Dr. Nazeer Ahmad Mir, and Dr. Saba Bukhari, were also present. Earlier in the day, the Vice Chancellor and Director Extension visited the KVK farm and provided on-the-spot instructions for its development and the establishment of various units.
