Srinagar: A training cum awareness programme under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) project “Implementation of Low Cost, Energy Efficient and Safe Paddy Winnowing Technology for Rural Population of Kashmir “was held at KVK Malangpora Pulwama on Tuesday.
The event was organized by National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) and KVK Malangpora, Pulwama.
During the program, experts from diverse fields stated that there is a dire need for technological intervention to reduce the exposure of the farming community to dust and enhance the efficiency of various farming operations by means of technological intervention.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr) Rakesh Sehgal said the aim of any technology is to serve society.
“Technology offers solutions to dust pollution emanating from various operations including farming practices. Mechanization of such practices will reduce the manpower and overall energy requirements,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said under the UBA project, NIT Srinagar has adopted various villages in Kashmir and is actively involved in extending the best possible technical guidance to improve the quality of lives of the rural community.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari expressed his satisfaction regarding the institute initiatives under UBA and pitched for the need of carrying out such collaborative programs in the future too.
“There are huge developmental disconnects between the rural and urban sectors and we need to bridge that gap,” he said adding that NIT Srinagar will continue to support such programs so that everyone gets benefitted from these initiatives.
Prof. M.F. Wani, Dean (R&C) and Regional Coordinator UBA, NIT Srinagar said research in sectors of farming technology is the need of the hour. He said unfortunately people, in general, are ignorant regarding the same.
“The main goal of UBA is to foster a new dialogue within the larger community on science, society, and the environment and to develop a sense of dignity and collective destiny,” he said.
On the occasion, Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo Chief Scientist/Head KVK Malangpora Pulwama addressed the gathering of about 30 farmers, field staff, guests from SKAUST-K and other stakeholders in the event.
Prof Mugloo highlighted the various problems caused due to dust exposure in the farming community. He introduced the usefulness of winnowing machines for better separation of agricultural produce.
Dr. Mustaq Ahmad Rather(Project PI) demonstrated the winnowing technology for better separation of agricultural produce.
He also highlighted the role of UBA in the region and stated that there is a need for such programs in the future also.
The event witnessed the participation of rural/farming community belonging to Halqa Puchal village adopted under UBA by NIT Srinagar.
Staff members from KVK Pulwama, NIT Srinagar also attended the programme in order to pass on the message to the general public to make them aware of the technology.
People attending the program appreciated the initiative of NIT Srinagar and KVK Pulwama (SKUAST-K).

KR Desk