KVK Ganderbal sets benchmark for agricultural innovation in Kashmir
Ganderbal, Jul 16: The 21st Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal was held today, drawing enthusiastic participation from scientists, university leaders, and progressive farmers. The event was marked by the inauguration of a range of new agricultural and allied infrastructure units aimed at boosting hands-on training and field innovation.
A statement issued here said that the Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Prof. Dr Nazir Ahmed Ganie, inaugurated several newly established demonstration and research facilities at the KVK campus. These include a high-density cherry block, a fish unit celebrating its first harvest, a rootstock bank, a molecular diagnostic laboratory, a goat rearing unit, and Gul-e-Kashmir – a dedicated floriculture lab – among others. The facilities aim to strengthen the Kendra’s capacity for delivering region-specific technological solutions to farmers.
Dr Suja Nabi Qurashi, Senior Scientist (Horticulture), opened the proceedings with an overview of the day’s agenda, followed by a welcome address by Dr Shaheen Farooq. Dr Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Ganderbal, presented the Action Taken Report and Annual Progress Report, along with the action plan for the coming year.
Director Extension of SKUAST-K, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, underlined the importance of adaptive research and farmer-centric outreach, noting that such platforms are vital to skill-building and sustainable agricultural development across the Valley.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ganie lauded KVK Ganderbal’s achievements, calling it the top-performing KVK in the Kashmir Valley and expressing confidence that it could become the leading KVK across India. He praised the Kendra’s efforts in bridging scientific research with practical field application and stressed the importance of training youth in value addition and scientific farming practices.
Prof. Ganie also interacted with local farmers during the event, listening to their feedback and urging them to embrace innovative methods in agriculture and allied sectors. He highlighted the transformative potential of scientific interventions in ensuring economic resilience for Kashmir’s rural population.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Farooq Ahmed Ahangar, Scientist (Plant Protection), who reaffirmed the Kendra’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and farmer welfare.
