Srinagar : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has initiated a comprehensive farmer outreach program in the Srinagar and Anantnag districts to modernize local agriculture and connect academic research with grassroots farming.
A team of scientists visited fields to promote scientific vegetable farming, assess current practices, and tackle production challenges faced by local farmers. A notable aspect of the initiative was the visit to Wantrag village in Anantnag, recognized for its successful watermelon and muskmelon cultivation. Speaking on the occasion Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Gani lauded the local farmers for their advanced techniques, highlighting Wantrag as a model for high-yield, intensive farming that could be replicated throughout the Kashmir valley to enhance farm incomes and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices. During the field visits, experts from the Division of Vegetable Science engaged in discussions with farmers, focusing on technology-driven solutions to improve fruit quality and profitability. They provided guidance on implementing hi-tech poly-house cultivation, precision nutrient and irrigation management, and Integrated Disease and Pest Management protocols. Additionally, the team advocated for resource conservation methods, such as mulching, and emphasized the importance of modern post-harvest handling techniques to improve market access and pricing. The outreach initiative received a positive response from the farming community, who expressed appreciation for the university’s efforts in bringing scientific expertise directly to them. Prof Gani reaffirmed SKUAST-K’s commitment to fostering a strong farmer-scientist relationship through ongoing field visits, demonstrations, and the continuous dissemination of technology.
