Anantnag : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Anantnag, under the aegis of SKUAST-Kashmir and ICAR, on Thursday organized a grand awareness-cum-input distribution programme under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) at the KVK Campus.
The event was aimed at raising awareness among tribal farmers about the various agricultural initiatives being undertaken by the Government of India to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities through modern, sustainable, and inclusive farming practices.
Prof. Rihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, was the chief guest on the occasion. A large number of officers, Programme Coordinators, and Scientists from various Research Stations and KVKs participated in the programme, showcasing a collaborative effort to uplift tribal communities in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kanth emphasized the importance of adopting innovative, climate-resilient, and sustainable agricultural technologies. She urged tribal farmers to maintain regular contact with KVK scientists and field officers to ensure proper technical guidance and maximize the benefits of government-supported schemes.
Earlier, Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Head, KVK-Anantnag, presented the welcome address and highlighted the pivotal role of KVKs in transforming agriculture at the grassroots level.
He also elaborated on the multifaceted achievements of KVK-Anantnag in areas such as capacity building, varietal promotion, entrepreneurship development, and climate-smart agriculture.
As part of the input distribution initiative, over 350 tribal farmers were provided with approximately 150 quintals of potato seed, 33 quintals of fodder maize, 10 quintals of improved paddy seed (variety SR-4), along with soybean, rajmash seeds, and agricultural tool kits. These inputs are expected to significantly boost the agricultural productivity and income levels of tribal farmers in the region.
Prof. Javeed Mughloo, Head, KVK Pulwama and Principal Investigator of the TSP project titled ‘Outreach of Technology and Distribution of Farming Tools for Economic Upliftment of ST and Low-Income Farmers,’ spoke on the transformative potential of the project. He underlined how timely support, access to tools, and tailored technical training can empower resource-poor tribal communities.
As part of the programme, hand-operated agricultural tools and implements were distributed among beneficiaries under the NICRA project being implemented at KVK-Anantnag.
The initiative marked a significant step towards enhancing the socio-economic status of tribal farmers through science-led interventions and inclusive extension support.
