Srinagar : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, SKUAST-Kashmir organized a Kisan Goshti-cum-Technology Outreach Programme along with Front Line Demonstration (FLD) activities and on-spot seed distribution at Khanmoh block, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening agriculture at the grassroots level and enhancing farmers’ income and economic resilience.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 100 farmers along with Rural Horticulture Work Experience (RHWE) students of SKUAST-Kashmir. The event was graced by Er. Aijaz Hussain Rather, Hon’ble Member DDC Srinagar (Balhama&Khanmoh), as Chief Guest, and Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. R.H. Kanth, as Guest of Honour, in the presence of Prof. & Head, KVK Srinagar, Dr. S.A. Simnani, along with scientists and technical staff of the Kendra.
The programme was organized with the objective of promoting high-yielding paddy varieties developed by SKUAST-Kashmir, particularly SR-4 and SR-2, to improve productivity, strengthen self-sufficiency, and enhance the economic well-being of farmers.
As part of the Kharif 2026 Front Line Demonstration Programme, four paddy-growing clusters—Khanmoh, Khimber, Tailbal, and Ranbirgarh—have been identified across Srinagar district for focused intervention, and quality seed inputs supplied by the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC) were distributed among participating farmers. During the day-long programme, farmers were sensitized on modern and scientific crop production technologies for paddy, maize, and pulses, including soil test-based nutrient management, micronutrient application, efficient water management, integrated pest and weed management, use of improved varieties, and post-harvest handling practices aimed at increasing productivity while reducing cultivation costs.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S.A. Simnani highlighted the importance of such outreach initiatives in bridging the gap between research laboratories and farmers’ fields, while Prof. R.H. Kanth urged farmers to actively benefit from the various schemes and scientific interventions being implemented by SKUAST-K and KVK Srinagar for sustainable agricultural growth.
In his address, Er. Aijaz Hussain Rather appreciated the consistent efforts of KVK Srinagar in taking innovative technologies directly to farmers’ doorsteps and commended its impactful initiatives under programmes such as VIKSIT, HADP, JKCIP, and MSME-linked interventions. The programme, efficiently coordinated by Dr.Ishtiyak A. Mir, Dr.Rukhsar A. Dar, and Dr. Haseeb with active support from the KVK team, concluded with participating farmers expressing gratitude for the initiative and showing keen interest in adopting the demonstrated scientific practices for improved productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability in agriculture.
