Pulwama, Oct 28: In a bid to enhance agricultural self-sufficiency, scientists from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) encouraged farmers to adopt modern farming technologies developed by the university. Speaking at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Malangpora, they emphasized the need for improved seed replacement, mechanization, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in agriculture.
The program, led by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, Head of Plant Biotechnology at SKUAST-K, focused on the distribution of high-quality Shalimar Fodder Oats 1 seeds, aiming to increase fodder production and assist farmers in transitioning to more advanced farming methods.
Dr. Bhat informed farmers about best practices for oat cultivation, urging them to avoid dense sowing and use balanced quantities of chemical and organic fertilizers, with a suggested rate of 5 quintals of organic fertilizer per kanal of land.
“We have advised farmers to adopt technologies developed by SKUAST-K to boost their seed and variety replacement rates, which are crucial for enhancing productivity,” Dr. Bhat explained. “Farm mechanization, AI, and ML are key to modernizing our farms and can help double production,” he added.
The event highlighted the ongoing distribution of high-quality oat seeds under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with Dr. Javid Ahmad Mugloo, chief scientist and head of KVK/ETC Malangpora Pulwama, emphasizing the importance of fodder self-sufficiency. “Kashmir is currently 48% deficient in dry fodder and 67% in green fodder. Our aim is to reduce these gaps and make the region self-reliant,” he stated. He noted that meat consumption is high in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the region faces a 50% deficit in meat production, making fodder self-sufficiency essential.
This initiative aligns with the national goal of doubling farmers’ income, a vision set forth by the Prime Minister. Dr. Mugloo also highlighted that HADP is rolling out 29 projects across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen agricultural productivity. “With these projects and our lab-to-field technology approach, I am confident we will achieve self-sufficiency and help farmers significantly boost their income,” he concluded.
