BANDIPORA, OCTOBER 22: The Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)/Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station (MAR&ES), Gurez, on Wednesday commenced a two-day training programme on the revival and promotion of millets (nutri-cereals) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme witnessed active participation from postgraduate students, Ph.D. scholars, project staff, progressive farm-women, innovative farmers, and scientific and technical personnel from various subject matter divisions of FoA, Wadura, and KVK/MAR&ES Gurez.
Prof. Lal Singh, Chief Scientist-cum-Principal Investigator, HADP-08, highlighted the importance of millets in the context of changing climatic conditions. Through a detailed presentation, he underlined the potential of these resilient and nutritious crops under the agro-climatic conditions of Gurez, emphasising their adaptability, health benefits, market prospects and industrial potential. He also stressed the role of value addition, product development, proper labelling and branding in enhancing the commercial viability of millets and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
Senior Scientist and Head, KVK/MAR&ES Gurez, Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, underscored the importance of introducing innovative agricultural technologies developed by SKUAST-Kashmir to expand livelihood opportunities for the tribal community. He said the Kendra, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and with the support of Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Research Prof. Syed Zameer and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Najeeb Ul Rehman Sofi, remains committed to the revival and promotion of heritage crops across Gurez Valley.
Dr. Malik emphasised the need to strengthen collaborative research and extension efforts under HADP-08, focusing on scientific millet cultivation, value addition and product development to realise the crop’s full potential.
Dr. Jauhar Rafeeq, Scientist, Agro-forestry, informed that the Action Plan for 2027-28 would incorporate various interventions for the revival and promotion of heritage crops, with particular emphasis on millets.
Prof. Lal Singh assured continued support for agricultural development in Gurez and proposed organising an exposure visit for progressive farmers from the valley to the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, during the forthcoming season. The visit would familiarise farmers with the latest technological advancements developed by the University, particularly in millet cultivation and related practices.
The participating farmers and beneficiaries expressed gratitude to SKUAST-Kashmir for organising the informative, need-based and market-oriented training programme, describing such initiatives as valuable opportunities to enhance agricultural knowledge, explore new income-generating avenues and promote sustainable farming practices in the region.
Certificates were distributed among participants in recognition of their participation in the programme.
