SKUAST-J holds flags off ceremony for SREP 2025 under HADP
Jammu: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) organised the flag off ceremony for the Students’ Rural Exploration Programme (SREP) 2025 at the Baba Jitto Auditorium, Chatha, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
Nearly 800 students are participating in this major experiential learning initiative from across all districts of the Jammu division.
Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the event, Javid Dar underscored the crucial role of SKUAST-Jammu in fostering agricultural growth and enhancing farmer livelihoods in the Union Territory. He emphasized that universities are vital for scientific innovation, technology dissemination, and capacity building in agriculture. Dar encouraged students to embody the spirit and work ethic of farmers, asserting that their contributions are essential for the future of agricultural development in Jammu & Kashmir. He highlighted the significance of the Student Research and Extension Programme (SREP) as a platform for students to engage with real-time agricultural challenges and contribute to evidence-based planning. The Minister praised the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) for its financial support of farmer-centric initiatives and commended SKUAST-Jammu for integrating experiential learning through SREP. He stressed the importance of effective communication between farmers and scientists, particularly through platforms like Radio Kissan Jammu 90.8 FM, and urged students to document indigenous knowledge and engage with rural communities for sustainable agricultural development. Vice-Chancellor Professor B. N. Tripathi acknowledged the Agriculture Minister’s efforts in enhancing the university’s academic and extension activities. He described HADP as a transformative initiative that provides critical support and strategic direction for farmers, improving outreach and facilitating the documentation of grassroots innovations. Tripathi encouraged students to explore agro-climatic diversity and contribute to farmer-centric extension efforts through SREP. Professor S. K. Gupta, Director of Research, emphasized the need for real-world agricultural exposure to complement classroom learning. Professor Vinod Gupta provided an overview of the SREP structure, detailing how students from various agricultural disciplines will engage in village profiling, household surveys, and community interactions. Professor Sanjay Khar highlighted that SREP fosters competencies in participatory appraisal and community engagement, while Professor Amrish Vaid noted its role in enhancing student-farmer collaboration and addressing field issues. Student representatives expressed enthusiasm for hands-on learning and community engagement through the program. The event was attended by various university officials, faculty, and students, culminating in the inauguration of the brochure for Radio Kissan Jammu 90.8 FM, which aims to deliver agricultural advisories and success stories to farmers in the region.
