BANDIPORA: The Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS) Rangreth of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Mountain Agriculture Research & Extension Station (MAR&ES) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez, organized a one-day mega workshop at Izmarg, Gurez under the AICRP on potential crops.

The programme, organised to promote the revival of heritage and potential crops among tribal farmers, was attended by officials from various departments as well as 43 progressive tribal farmers.

On the occasion, Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Lone, Professor and Principal Investigator, AICRP on Pulses, highlighted the importance of potential crops like Buckwheat in addressing nutritional needs, generating income, and promoting sustainable agriculture. He expressed concern over the declining interest in such crops and emphasized the need to sensitize farmers through quality seed distribution, scientific training, and extension literature.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bahar, Chief Scientist, DARS Rangreth, spoke about the efforts of the scientific community at SKUAST-K to revive orphan crops tied to the cultural heritage of Gurez.

While sharing details, Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, Head KVK & MAR&ES Gurez, informed that 7.5 hectares at Badugam Tulail have been brought under potato seed production, with a target of producing 3,000 quintals this year and scaling up to 30,000 quintals next year. He added that over 16 hectares across Gurez have been covered under KG-2 maize, while the entire village of Dangan (Izmarg) has been brought under Buckwheat cultivation.

Dr. Hilal also announced the establishment of a Custom Hiring Centre under HADP-09 and appreciated the continued support of DARS Rangreth. Later, farmers were provided with free toolkits and tarpaulin sheets to support natural farming practices.