Srinagar: Three STRY training programmes of one week each were inaugurated today at Directorate of Extension SKUAST-K on “Organic Vegetable Production Technologies for open and Protected Cultivation”, “Quality Seed Production with Special reference to Resistance Breeding for Organic Agriculture” , and “ Milk from Udder to Laboratory Desk”. The programme were held under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. J. P Sharma. Prof M. C Sharma formerly Vice-Chancellor Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was the Chief Guest and Guest of honour was Prof. Dil Mohamamd Makhdoomi Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof & Head Vegetable Sciences Prof Sumati Narayan, Associate Directors of Extension and other Scientists of the Directorate were also present at the occasion.
Prof. M C Sharma Prof M. C Sharma formerly –Vice-Chancellor Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)addressing the farmers of Ladakh which is the border region of country belonging to marginal farmers group.Livestock is the exclusive source of income in this region especially sheep and pashmina goat rearing being hilly area. He further said that in Ladakh production of Milk is low but the number of animals is more. The main reason for low milk production is unavailability of greenfedder throughout the year. In these areas UMMB blocks can be used for increasing the milk production. He also stressed upon the breeding policies like artificial insemination. Prof Sharma sensitized the farmer about various diseases of livestock in the area. Prof M. C Sharma also interacted with the participants of the STRY training programme.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdomi Director Extension SKUAST-K deliberated on the need and importance ofDairy farming and for self-employment and upliftment of rural youth with a hope that wards of farmers/Animal raisers would get skill upgradation and motivate them in opening enterprises in such sectors. He emphasized on creation of self help groups among farm women.

KR Desk