SKUAST-K celebrates Tilhan day at MRCFC Khudwani
Srinagar, Apr 18: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) celebrated Tilhan (Sarson) Day at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC)-Khudwani with a focus on enhancing oilseed production across the region.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Nazir A. Ganai, who presided over the event as Chief Guest, was accompanied by Director Research, Prof. Haroon R. Naik; Director Extension, Prof. Raihana H. Kanth; and Joint Director Agriculture, Sartaj Ahmad Shah. The ceremony witnessed participation from agriculture department officials from Kulgam and Anantnag districts, SKUAST-Kashmir scientists, and numerous farmers.
In his address, Prof. Ganai commended MRCFC-Khudwani’s consistent contributions to rapeseed, rice, and wheat improvement, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring food and nutritional security throughout Jammu and Kashmir. The event showcased promising new rapeseed varieties demonstrating a 20% yield advantage as part of strategic efforts to bolster oilseed security in the region.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised the Centre’s significance in varietal development, germplasm conservation, production technologies, and soil health management. He outlined the University’s vision to regulate seed availability in Kashmir Valley through Kisan Khidmat Ghars established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
A major announcement included plans to establish a dedicated seed company under SKUAST-Kashmir’s supervision to ensure consistent supply of high-quality seeds developed by the University.
The event featured the inauguration of two key facilities: a modern, high-efficiency oil extraction mill at MRCFC-Khudwani designed to add value to oilseed production and benefit farmers, and a Bio-input Production Laboratory established under HADP. Prof. Ganai directed scientists to maximize the laboratory’s potential by developing crop-specific Trichoderma strains to support precision agriculture and targeted disease management.
Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Joint Director Agriculture, praised MRCFC-bred varieties for contributing to food security in J&K while highlighting opportunities to enhance oilseed production quality and quantity to meet global standards.
The celebration emphasised the need for an Integrated Management Plan addressing challenges in oilseed productivity through quality seeds, nutrient deficiency mitigation, soil health enhancement, best agronomic practices, integrated pest management, and climate-smart agricultural modules. Prof. Ganai called for strengthened coordination among scientists, agricultural officers, and farmers to effectively implement advisories and recommendations that would maximize the potential of new high-yielding varieties.
This Tilhan Day celebration represents SKUAST-Kashmir’s renewed commitment to research-driven, farmer-centered agricultural advancement in the region.
