SKUAST-K resumes restructured monthly workshop for extension functionaries

Srinagar, Apr 8: The Directorate of Extension at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) successfully organised its monthly capacity-building workshop for extension functionaries at Shalimar campus today.

The university's Vice Chancellor presided as Chief Guest, alongside Director Extension/SAMETI Prof. Raihana H. Kanth and Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Joint Director (Extension) from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare-Kashmir.

The event drew participation from heads of various university divisions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), officers from line departments, subject matter specialists, scientists, and resource persons.

In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor praised the Directorate's ongoing efforts to strengthen knowledge and skills of field-level extension professionals. He emphasized that SKUAST-Kashmir, working with line departments, can help achieve the vision of "Viksit J&K" as a model for "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The Vice Chancellor advocated for implementing affordable technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and social media platforms to disseminate real-time agricultural advisories more effectively.

Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between line departments and SKUAST-Kashmir scientists. She highlighted how extension functionaries provide crucial feedback on university technologies and programs, helping refine them according to specific micro-situations.

The technical session covered advisories for field crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, poultry, sheep, and cattle. Additional discussions addressed climate-resilient agriculture, digital extension tools, and participatory technology transfer approaches.

This monthly initiative demonstrates SKUAST-Kashmir's commitment to empowering extension personnel with current knowledge to better serve the farming community.