BANDIPORA: The 18th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1 and the 3rd SAC Meeting of KVK Bandipora-2 (Gurez) was today conducted at KVK Campus Potushai, Bandipora.

The meeting was presided over by Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and was attended by Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, ADC Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandith, AD Sheep Husbandry Dr. Maroof Ahmad Shah, CAO Javaid Iqbal Samoon, CHO Farooq Ahmad Tantry, CAHO Dr. G.A. Lone, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Bandipora, DSHO Dr. Irshad Ahmad, officers from Floriculture, Fisheries, Sericulture and other concerned.

Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator KVK Bandipora-1, and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Programme Coordinator KVK Bandipora-2 (Gurez), presented the Annual Progress Reports for the year 2023-24 through PowerPoint presentations.

During the meeting, the Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture and KVKs in disseminating proven technologies and building the capacity of rural youth.

The Chief Horticulture Officer emphasized the need for growers to transition from traditional to high-density orchards, which are more remunerative.

The Chief Animal Husbandry Officer noted that Bandipora district is self-sufficient in milk production and suggested that the fodder scarcity issue could be addressed through hydroponic fodder production, which yields high biomass in less time and space.

The Assistant Director Sheep Husbandry mentioned ongoing efforts to support sheep breeders and provide quality mutton to consumers.

Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the KVKs in Bandipora and stressed the importance of their impact being felt across the district.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandith stressed on skilling of youth for entrepreneurship development in the district. He also desired to develop strategies for fresh vegetable availability during winter months in Gurez valley.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai commended the KVKs for their role in technology dissemination and skill development among rural youth. He emphasized the cultivation of scented rice and high-yielding maize and pulse varieties to enhance farmers' incomes.

Prof. Ganai also highlighted the promotion of agriculture and allied sectors in Gurez valley while preserving regional traditions. He urged farmers and rural youth to take advantage of various schemes under the HADP.

The meeting also featured contributions from young agri-entrepreneurs and progressive farmers who shared their experiences.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor and Director Extension visited the KVK farm, providing on-the-spot instructions for its development and the establishment of various units.