KARGIL: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-I and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-ll of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have been steadfastly serving the farmers of the region, despite a number of challenges including financial restraints and lack of manpower.
Their contribution was hailed at the Annual Scientific Advisory Committee meeting 19th for Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-I and 5th for Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-ll held at KVK-1 Kargil.
During the occasion, Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Mohsin Ali was the chief guest whereas Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi chaired the meeting.
Officers from various line departments, including, Divisional Forest Officer, Associate Director HMAARI Leh, Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Kargil, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries, Manager Lead Bank, District Agriculture Officer, Kargil, progressive farmers besides other concerned participated in the meeting.
The program began with the presentation of the achievements of KVK Kargil-1 and KVK -2 by Dr Mohd Mehdi, Chief Scientist and Dr Shah Khan Scientist respectively. Discussions on the progress report of both the KVK’s took place before the participants. Thereafter suggestions and feedback from the participants were discussed.
The chief guest appreciated the efforts of KVK team for serving farmers from every nook and corner of the region despite lack of manpower and financial constraints because LAHDC is debarred from financing KVKs. He further suggested for further improvement in research taking into account the needs of the stakeholders.
The chairman besides giving solutions to the suggestions, stressed on processing, marketing and branding of agricultural commodities as per the latest market trends so that the farmers can receive better economic benefits for their produce.
He emphasized that the farmers are the priority of the University and scientists should work effortlessly to uplift the socio-economic condition of the farmers.
Chief Animal Husbandry Officer cited the scarcity of fodder availability in Kargil and urged the chairman for devising a solution to increase the fodder production per acre.
One of the champion farmer Fayaz Ahmed urged for availability of quality seed supply by farming a committee comprised of scientists and officers from line department so that departments can procure recommended seeds for the betterment of farmers.
Another farmer Ghulam Mohd cited the result of using biofertilizer, ghanjiveamrit and Jeevamrit. He said that the homemade organic inputs yield result at par with the chemical fertilizers. He thanked the KVK team for technical support.
A lady progressive farmer thanked KVK team for technical support in mushroom cultivation. She said that it is because of KVK that she was able e to establish herself as an entrepreneur and trainer in mushroom cultivation.
Dr Nasreen Fatima, Scientist KVK Kargil-I presented the welcome address and Dr Shabeer Hussain Scientist, KVK Kargil-II presented vote of thanks.
