Devise research, develop technology to improve farmer economy: VC

Srinagar: 62ndResearch Council Meeting (Rabi) was held in hybrid mode under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof J.P. Sharma. The meeting was attended by Directors, Deans of different faculties and Heads of Divisions and Research stations from the University. Prof Jag Paul Sharma, Ex-Director SKUAST Jammu and representative of Director CITH, Kashmir attended as Expert members. The meeting was also attended by the representatives from the Directorate Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, NABARDetc.
Vice Chancellor Prof. J.P. Singh during his introductory and concluding remarks appreciated the efforts of scientists of different faculties and Research stations for their work in the field of research and filing of patents and publication of research papers. He complimented the scientists for getting outside funded National and International research projects.
Vice Chancellor desired that the research priorities should be devised in such a manner so that the technology developed can help in improving the socio-economic condition of the farmers. He stressed to focus on specialty agriculture for high value low volume crops particularly saffron, kalazeera, lemon grass, lavender, spices etc. He advised scientists to take up organic practises for management of various apple diseases in order to reduce indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides/ pesticides. Prof. Sharma advised to undertake further research on minimising post-harvest losses, processing and value addition of fruits, vegetables, dairy, fisheries, medicinal plants and development of functional foods. He also laid emphasis on the need of orienting research activities in various districts on the basis of one district, one product devised by Government of Jammu and Kashmir and develop a map highlighting district wise potential of high value crops.
Prof. Sarfaraz A.Wani, Director Research welcomed the members and informed the house that the University during last 6 months submitted 190 projects with budget allocation of 115.3 crores out of which 38 projects have been sanctioned recently with financial allocation of 67.8 crores. Directorate has filed 14 patents and signed 13MoUs with National and International Institutes for extending outreach of R&D activities of the University. The house was also informed that the university produced breeder seeds of Paddy, Maize, Pulses, Wheat and Fodder oats as per the indent of Department of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders. Progress on research done during Rabi 2020 was presented by the concerned heads of stations, besides approval for new research proposals to be taken up during Rabi, 2021.
Representatives of Departments raised important issues and requested for intervention from University. DGM NABARD lauded the efforts of University scientists implementing NABARD supported projects and assured continuous support from NABARD. During the meeting new research projects were approved for Rabi season based on the inputs of different faculties/stations and feedback from line departments. Five publications related to varietal identification, technology generation, repeat breeding etc. were released.

KR Desk