SRINAGAR: The 50th Research and Extension Advisory Committee meeting Rabi 2021 of SKUAST-Kashmir was conducted in a hybrid mode under the chairmanship of Prof J.P Sharma Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K. Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi Director Extension and Prof Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani, Director Research, Deans HoDs of SKUAST-K, Programme Coordinators of KVKs, Directors, Joint Directors and representatives of line department also attended the meeting.
The purpose of the said meeting was to take feedback of the minikit trials laid in various districts so that these are recommended for release before the university variety release committee. Besides reviewing the coordination with line departments, discussing new proposals in Agriculture and allied sectors, feedback was received from Directors of line departments of the emerging problems to be redressed by SKUAST-Kashmir. Four publications related to vegetables and pulses were released during the inaugural session of the meeting
Vice-Chancellor Prof J.P Sharma in his inaugural address stressed upon the importance of REAC & emphasized on collaborative research and extension activities for the welfare of the farming community. He stressed on identifying different possible locations for cultivation of profitable crops other than the traditional ones to increase the farmers income. The scientists must work on taking of kalazeera and saffron to areas other than niche areas . He further advised that we must provide the ground to our farmers for taking processing and value addition on priority to increase their income. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor concluded with the appreciation to Director Extension in disseminating the technologies on the farmers filed.
Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension presented the activities undertaken during the year. He highlighted the progress made by the constituent units of SKUAST-Kashmir on various agenda items and fresh proposals put forth by them for the year -2021-22. Director Extension appreciated role of KVKs, Research Stations, Divisions, Units in formulating and disseminating the technologies to the users and congratulated them for three of the progressive farmers whose potential was recognized by Govt of India and Prime Minister called them on phone in Mann-Ki-Baat. The farmer’s are working in collaboration with KVK Pulwama, Srinagar and Ganderbal.
A few crop varieties were recommended to be put before the University variety release committee.
The officers of line departments hailed the contribution of scientific fraternity in agriculture and allied sciences for their research being conducted on field oriented problems.

KR Desk