SKUAST hosts programme on rainfed agriculture strategies

Srinagar, Nov 25: A two-day capacity-building programme on "Risk Mitigation & Technological Management Strategies for Enhanced Production under Rainfed Ecologies" began at the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, under SKUAST-Kashmir's auspices.

Organised through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, the event brings together 50 agricultural officers to address crop production challenges in rainfed ecosystems. Experts discussed strategies for improving agricultural productivity through lectures, practical demonstrations, and field visits.

The programme culminated in the release of crop cards for mandated crops, emphasizing technological interventions in rainfed agricultural systems.

The programme started with a welcome address by Dr Ajaz A. Lone, Professor GPB followed by an insightful overview of the awareness programme by Course Co-ordinator Dr Fayaz Ahmed Bahar, Professor Agronomy in the presence of scientific fraternity from the station. Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar, Associate Director Research, DARS, Rangreth and chief guest during the function highlighted the role of DARS, SKUAST-Kashmir towards the food and nutritional security at the regional and national levels. Drs. Mehfuza Habib and N. S. Khuroo, Professors GPB at the station presented the contribution of released varieties in replacement of local landraces and their deployment. During the event, crop cards of the mandated crops were released as ready reference for the field functionaries and their utilization at the ground level followed by scheduled lectures by resource persons of subject matter faculties . The event ended with the vote thanks to the chair by Dr. Seerat un Nissa, Associate Professor, Soil Science at the station.