SKUAST-K showcases latest technologies at Saffron Mela

SRINAGAR: Director Extension Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi and Director Research Prof. Sarfaraz Ahmed Wani today visited the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices (ARSSS), SKUAST-K in connection with harvesting of the first crop of Saffron. The duo directors participated in the Mela on the directions of the Vice Chancellor SKAUST- K, Prof. J.P. Sharma that was organised by Directorate of Agriculture.
The programme was organised in connection with the harvesting of the saffron. During the beginning of the programme the duo director visited the saffron fields of the university station (ARSSS) and were highly impressed with the bumper crop in the university station field. They inaugurated the first harvest of the crop by plucking a few flowers on the occasion. In the premises of the station a function was held in which many officers of the University namely Associate Director
Research of Rice station Khudwani and the Incharge Head of the saffron station participated.
Incharge ARSSS Dr. Bashir Ahmad Alai demonstrated to the visiting directors the indoor facility in which saffron is being cultivated in vertical agriculture. About 300 trays were showcased with the crop in blooming stage. He further informed that it is the first facility in South Asia where Saffron has been cultivated in the indoor vertical agriculture and this technology will be taken to villages and will be extrapolated in the areas which are not the traditional areas for the saffron. This is expectedto boost the saffron industry in the valley.
Earlier in the day the directors participated in the saffron “Jishne saffron Mela” organised bythe Directorate of the Agriculture, Kashmir. A stall of the seeds and technologies developed wasinstalled by SKUAST-K in the premises where Jishne saffron was held.
Director Extension Prof. DilMohammad Makhdoomi briefed about the variety of the seed of maize and informed the Advisor to the Governor about a variety of maize which is rich in iron and vitamin B12 and could be a goodsupplement for the pregnant ladies. The chief guest advised the scientists of the SKUAST-K that theyshould prefer the local variety of the oil seed as they are having delicate covering as compared to the seed bought from outside and have much higher yields than other oil seeds that are beingimported. The chief guest expressed satisfaction over the performance of the SKUAST-K. Director
Agriculture Kashmir requested SKUAST-K to produce more quantity of seed to help them in fulfilling the demand of the farmers.

 

 

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