Kupwara: The Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST), Professor Nazir Ahmad along with District Development Kupwara Khalid Jahangir Wednesday conducted a tour of two proposed sites at Kulangam and Udipora identified for establishing the Walnut Research Centre at Kulangam and High-Density Plantation Research Centre (HDPRC) at Udipora.
Inspecting the proposed site for establishment of Walnut Research centre at Kulangam in Handawara Tehsil, it was given out that 209 kanals of land for the project has been identified by the KVK Kupwara for the purpose, while at Udipora Langate 190 kanals of land has been identified for the establishment of campus of KVK Kupwara, in consultation with Wadura Agriculture College.
On this occasion several public deputations met DDC Kupwara and projected their demands relating to improvement in socio-economic condition of the farmers and orchardists so that they may be able to avail the facilities through reviving of the traditional as well as new scientific methods of new technology in farming and horticulture produce through efforts taken by the SKUAST-K/KVK Kupwara under the guidelines of the agriculture scientists.
The Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K was informed by the DDC Kupwara that the District Kupwara is bestowed with fertile land and has huge potential for the cultivation of different varieties of agriculture and horticulture. The DDC highlighted the stiff competition that our horticulture produce is facing from California Walnuts and imported apples. He called for the introduction of improved varieties imparting training and farming skills, capacity building of field functionaries of horticulture department so that our product is able to compete with the imports coming from various countries. The DDC also urged the visiting V-C and his team of officers to help the farmers in enhancing the productivity of paddy, an introduction of commercial vegetable cultivation, high altitude farming for areas likes Machil, Keran, Tangadar.
The V-C after listening to the valuable suggestion from the District administration said Government is mulling to establish the processing unit for the walnut growers to provide them with all facilities including processing, cleaning, and packaging under one roof.“The unit will provide better market facilities in and outside the State.”He stressed that farmers should avail all the new technologies and should remain connected with scientists at local KVK centres for the progressive farming.
Professor Nazir stressed that farmers should preserve the local seed varieties which he said were unique in quality and have better taste.
DDC Kupwara while appreciating the role of KVK Kupwara for introducing new technologies and concepts for the progressive farming in the district said farmers should get benefited from new concepts .
Professor Sheikh Bilal Dean SKUAST, Peerzada Shafat Deevani KVK Head Kupwara, Tehsildars Handwara and Langate, DYsp Farooq Ahmad and other officers also accompanied the visiting dignitaries.
