We must evolve to protect our heritage: Javed Dar

Srinagar, Feb 22: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday said there was a dire need to change the lifestyle to keep the traditions alive.

The minister was referring to the three-day annual Agri-Tech Mela “Gon’gul 2025” organised by Sheri-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir.

The event is being organized under the theme “Secondary and Sustainable Agriculture” and was inaugurated by the agriculture minister.

“I remember how this Gon’gul festival was celebrated in our rural areas. People would assemble together to celebrate Gon’gul during the season, mostly in March-April month,” he said.

The minister who was the chief guest at the occasion however said that people were going towards westernization as they get more privileges but there was a need to “correct ourselves.”

“We have completely forgotten our culture. People go outside for studies and they forget the culture, heritage and our agricultural practices. We need to change ourselves to keep traditions alive,” he said.

He however praised the SKUAST-K administration for holding a three-day event on the topic which connects the next generation with rich Kashmiri culture.

He however cautioned about preserving Kashmiri culture, known globally for its cuisine, literature, architecture and rich traditions.

He said that with time, farmers will switch from traditional practices to commercial activities. “It has already begun here when I see at fisheries or some people have started sheep rearing units. Some are adopting high-density plants,” he said.

The minister assured full support of the J&K Government to SKUAST-K, leading the transformation of the agriculture landscape of the region.

The three-day AgriTech Mela showcases cutting-edge agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the agriculture sector.

“With a greater focus on value addition, climate resilience, and agri-entrepreneurship, the event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers to shape the future of agriculture in J&K,” VC SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ganai in his address said.

The mela has more than 400 stalls exhibiting the latest farm machinery, precision agriculture, sale of seeds and planting material, farm animals and birds.

The mela for the first time organised a pet animal show in which pet dogs and cats displayed their training skills.

He said the fest reflects the achievements and aspirations of J&K’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program.

He said SKUAST-K has envisioned J&K as a model bioeconomy for Viksit Bharat through futuristic innovation-led farming. Prof Ganai thanked the J&K Government for generous support to the university initiatives.

“This institution is not only about a few buildings and the staff, but it is being discussed at international forums in terms of research and sustainability,” VC SKUAST said.

He said the varsity can lay the foundation of Viksit J&K.

Chairman, Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, Ashok Dalwai, said J&K has a role to play in accomplishing the country’s targets set under Vision 2047.

This year’s edition of Agri-Tech Mela is structured around several key subthemes, each offering unique insights into different aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture.

The Brand Bizz Fest facilitates networking between MNCs, FPOs, SHGs, and industry leaders, while the Food Fest celebrates diverse cuisines crafted by student startups and local food entrepreneurs

The Startup and Tech Show highlights groundbreaking agricultural innovations, and the Industry Exhibition showcases cutting-edge machinery and advanced farming technologies.

Gongul-2025 also emphasises sustainable farming through the Organic and Natural Farming Show, focusing on bio-inputs, and the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Show, exploring Himalayan herbal treasures.