Srinagar: The 52 nd Research and Extension Advisory Committee (REAC) meeting Rabi-2022 of SKUAST-K was
conducted on Saturday under the chairmanship of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K. Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, Prof. H.R. Naik, Director Planning and Monitoring, Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Registrar, Prof. Shayaib Ahmad Kamil, Chief Librarian, Deans, Associate Deans, HoDs of SKUAST-K, Heads of KVKs, and officers/officials of various line departments attended the meeting.
The purpose of said meeting was to take feedback of the mini kit trails laid in various districts to be 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 representatives of line departments of the emerging problems to be redressed by SKUAST-K.
The Vice Chancellor in his inaugural address stressed upon the importance of REAC and emphasized on research and extension activities in collaboration with the line departments for the welfare of the farming community of this region. He deliberated upon the various pro-farming and pro-youth initiatives of the university and the challenges related to agriculture in the Kashmir division. He called upon the scientific community to develop location specific, resource conservative and climate resilient technologies that have the potential to reduce the cost of cultivation and augment the farmers’ income.
The Vice Chancellor told the house that SKUAST-K has assumed the leadership role in the Northern region by developing a model of extension policy and the roadmap for holistic development of agriculture in this Himalayan region. He further informed that the University is going to start 66 Skill Development Programmes with MSME and the work in this direction has already been started. Dr. Ganai stressed upon the mobilization of the farming community through FPOs as SKUAST-K has been designated as CBBO by NCDC, SFAC.
Responding to the feedback received from representatives of various line departments regarding development of region specific, climate resilient crop varieties, availability of more breeder seed from University for oilseeds, availability of fish seed and feed formulation for Trout as well as indigenous breeds of fish and their post- harvest processing, sheep mutton and its breed improvement, control of various insect-pests and diseases of fruit crops.
The Vice Chancellor assured them all possible help from the University proactively.
Earlier starting the proceedings of REAC, WDE Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi presented a report of the various activities undertaken during the year. He highlighted the progress made by the constituent units of SKUAST-K on various agenda items and fresh proposals put forth by them for the year 2022-23.
Director Extension appreciated role of KVKs, Research stations, Divisions, Units in formulating and disseminating the technologies to the users.
The representatives from the line department including Joint Director Agriculture, Deputy Director Fisheries,
Deputy Director CAD and other dignitaries appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K for conduct of statutory meetings and assured the University of all possible cooperation.

KR Desk