Bandipora : Indu Shekhar, Principal Scientist from the ICAR–National Research Centre (NRC) for Makhana, Darbhanga, Bihar, visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bandipora-I, SKUAST-Kashmir, to monitor the progress of Makhana (Euryale ferox) and Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) cultivation being undertaken at the KVK farm.
The visit aimed to assess the performance of these promising aquatic crops under the agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir and to review the progress made since the initiation of demonstrations under the collaborative efforts between ICAR–NRC Makhana and SKUAST-Kashmir.
Prof. Indu Shekhar inspected the Makhana and Water Chestnut demonstration plots, interacted with the scientific staff, and evaluated crop growth, establishment, and field management practices.
During the visit, Prof. Indu Shekhar expressed satisfaction with the encouraging growth and adaptation of both crops under the prevailing climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. He appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora in introducing and promoting these high-value aquatic crops, highlighting their immense potential for diversification of farming systems, productive utilization of wetlands, and enhancement of farmers’ income. He emphasized that Makhana and Water Chestnut could emerge as economically viable enterprises in suitable water bodies across the region.
The Principal Scientist also provided valuable technical guidance on crop management, nutrient application, weed management, pest surveillance, and harvesting practices to ensure better productivity and successful commercialization. He stressed the importance of scientific monitoring, farmer capacity building, and collaborative research for scaling up the cultivation of aquatic crops in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Bandipora-I, briefed the visiting scientist about the ongoing initiatives of the KVK in promoting aquatic crop cultivation. He informed that KVK has established demonstration units of Makhana and Water Chestnut to evaluate their adaptability and to create awareness among farmers regarding their economic potential. He reiterated KVK’s commitment to disseminating suitable technologies that can improve livelihood opportunities for farming communities, particularly those residing around wetlands.
Dr. Tahir Saleem, Scientist (Vegetable Science), KVK Bandipora-I, accompanied Prof. Indu Shekhar during the field inspection and presented the progress of the Makhana and Water Chestnut demonstrations established at the KVK farm. He highlighted the crop management practices being followed, the encouraging establishment of both aquatic crops under local conditions, and the future plans for expanding demonstrations and conducting farmer training programmes.
Prof. Indu Shekhar appreciated the efforts of KVK team in successfully establishing these demonstrations and encouraged continued research and extension activities for the promotion of aquatic crop cultivation in Kashmir.
The scientific team of KVK also participated in the visit and discussed future research and extension strategies for expanding the cultivation of Makhana and Water Chestnut in the Valley. The interaction concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts between ICAR–NRC Makhana and SKUAST-Kashmir for the promotion of sustainable aquatic agriculture through research, demonstrations, and farmer-oriented extension programmes.
