Make walnut farming organised sector: Javid Dar

Kupwara, Nov 2: In a significant boost to walnut research and production, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today laid the foundation stone for administrative cum laboratory blocks of the Centre of Excellence on Walnut Research in Kulangam, Kupwara.

The centre, a vital project of SKUAST-K funded by NABARD, aims to promote quality walnut production, high-tech processing and packaging. With a project cost of Rs. 3.50 crore, it will serve as a repository of germ plasma, scientific information centre and training hub for human resource development and technology transfer.

Javid Dar, who is also Minister for Cooperatives and Elections, commended SKUAST-K for initiating the centre, which will greatly benefit North Kashmir’s residents. He emphasised the importance of SKUAST faculty connecting with farmers, stating, “Be more like farmers in the field than officers.”

Minister appreciated SKUAST-K’s contributions towards agricultural research, education and rural development, highlighting its role in promoting innovations, supporting farmer welfare and boosting agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture. He said that the need is to make the walnut production as organised farming for better production and economic growth to farmers.

Javid Dar accompanied by dignitaries, inspected the project site, which includes a walnut processing unit and labs for quality testing. He also interacted with the farmers, listening to their concerns. He visited the stalls showcasing local produce and SKUAST-K’s initiatives.

He said that the centre is expected to significantly impact the walnut production, benefiting farmers in different capacities.

The Minister added that through these initiatives SKUAST-K has established itself as a pivotal institution in advancing agriculture and allied sectors. He appreciated the district administration for allotting 200 kanals of land for the centre for excellence.

Vice chancellor SKUAST- K, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai in his address said that the centre for excellence for walnut will focus on several key functions especially in the areas of agricultural innovation, research and knowledge dissemination, which will help improve productivity, economic sustainability, and overall growth of the walnut industry, though scientific and practical innovations. He said that high quality walnut plant material, organized walnut orchards, medium sized plants, and mechanized post-harvest management technology will be transferred to farmers through this lab.

Minister also inspected the stalls and interacted with the farmers and SKUAST (K) faculty.

Javid Dar also interacted with the farmers and listened to their grievances.

Among others, MLA Langate, Khurshid Ahmed Sheikh, vice-chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Surindher Singh, Deputy General Manager NABARD, Prof Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Research, ADDC Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmed Bhat, ADC Handwara, Aziz Ahmed Rather, were also present on the occasion.