Bandipora, : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, organised the first in a series of training programmes under the Central Sector Scheme on Development of Makhana at KVK Bandipora-1, Potushai.
The programme aimed to sensitise farmers about the potential of Makhana cultivation and provide technical knowledge on its cultivation, management, harvesting, processing and value addition under Kashmir conditions.
Director, Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, Ajab Singh Ajeeb, was the chief guest. In his address, he highlighted the immense potential for Makhana development in Kashmir, particularly in view of the Valley’s extensive wetland resources. He emphasised that the available wetlands could be scientifically utilised for developing Kashmir as a potential Makhana hub.
Assistant Director, Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, Feroz Ahmad Shapoo highlighted the focus areas and initiatives being undertaken for promoting Makhana in the Valley.
Head, KVK Bandipora-1, Dr. Tariq Sultan delivered a detailed presentation on the scope, cultivation, management, harvesting, processing and value addition of Makhana. He highlighted that Makhana offers considerable scope for wetland-based livelihood diversification, income generation and entrepreneurship, particularly when integrated with other economically important aquatic crops such as Lotus and Water Chestnut.
Farmers from Bandipora and Baramulla districts actively participated in the training and raised queries regarding crop establishment, planting material, management practices, harvesting, processing and marketing of Makhana.
As part of the practical exposure, the participating farmers visited the aquatic crop demonstration and trial plots at the KVK Farm, where they observed ongoing trials and demonstrations of Makhana, Lotus and Water Chestnut.
