SRINAGAR: Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir in collaboration with MANAGE, Hyderabad on Friday kick started three different training programmes of different durations for Input Dealers under different programmes viz-a-viz 15 days Short Term Certificate Course for Fertilizer Inputs and Prospective Dealers on Integrated Nutrient Management; 12 weeks Short Term Certificate Course for Pesticide Dealers on Pest Management; One year Diploma in Agriculture Extension Services (DAESI).
The inaugural function was held at NundReshi Convention Hall, SKUAST-Kashmir Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai was the Chief Guest. The function was attended by Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. M.N. Khan, Director Education, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Planning & Monitoring, Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Registrar, Prof. K.N. Qaiser, Controller Examination, Deans, Associate Deans, Deputy Director (Trgs) and scientists of the Directorate of Extension. The programme was started with welcome address by Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai in his inaugural speech introduced the University to the participants for assuring them that they are in one of the best Agriculture University of the country. He mentioned that SKUAST-K is at 6th Rank at All India Level and is 3rd Best in ATAL Ranking. He apprised about the global scenario of Agriculture particularly of apple in terms of area, production and productivity. He emphasized that the University is striving hard for being improving the status of the country in terms of apple production from Rank 5 to Rank 2.
He assured that the target is achievable and can be taken care by putting efforts and disseminating the technologies developed by SKUAST-K. He also informed that the utilizing the schemes of Government of India particularly high density scheme we can achieve new heights. The Horticulture sector has the potential but we have to tap it. He stressed upon the participants that the training for pesticides/fertilizer Dealer are to make them aware about the judicious use of these inorganic inputs as we are approaching towards organic farming.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-K in his address deliberated on the need and importance of certificate course and assured the participants of providing the best learning platform during the different sessions of these certificate courses through able and experience scientific staff of SKUAST-Kashmir. He further stressed that the organizers should give a practical exposure to bacteria and other biological agents used in the Nutrient Management and should demonstrate the participants how to draw a soil sample from the field and its submission to necessary quarters for getting Soil Health Card.
The inaugural function concluded with a vote of thanks to the dignitaries of the University and participants of the programme by Prof. M.N. Khan, Director Education, SKUAST-K

KR Desk