SKUAST-K brings rainfed farming know-how to Machil's high-altitude farmers

Kupwara, July 5: In a significant outreach to the remote frontier region of Machil, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) conducted a one-day awareness programme under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) – Project No. 15 on Rainfed Area Development.

Organised by the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara, the event drew participation from over 60 farmers across the high-altitude villages of the region.

Dr F A Raina inaugurated the session by welcoming the farmers and briefing them about the objectives of the programme. The focus was on introducing scientific techniques, improved agronomic practices, and high-yielding pulse crop varieties suited to rainfed and hilly terrains.

Dr Ajaz Ahmad Lone highlighted the importance of climate-resilient crops and sustainable methods tailored to the unique conditions of frontier areas like Machil. Experts from KVK Kupwara and DARS provided hands-on demonstrations, field-level interactions, and solutions to specific farming challenges raised by locals.

Subject matter specialists Dr M A Wani and Dr Shahid Hakeem conducted detailed discussions with farmers on crop management and distributed pamphlets detailing pulse production techniques. Quality seed material was also handed out to participating farmers to support the immediate implementation of the practices discussed.

The programme concluded with a strong emphasis on building lasting partnerships between researchers and farmers to promote long-term, sustainable agricultural growth in the region.