SRINAGAR: KVK Ganderbal in collaboration with District Administration Ganderbal organized a workshop cum awareness programme on “Scope and Prospects of Walnut as an enterprise in District Ganderbal”Shuhama.
The programme was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K as Chief Guest, while Mr.Shyambir (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, was the Guest of Honour. The workshop was attended by Nodal Officer, PMFME, Chief Agriculture and Horticulture Officer Ganderbal, Scientists and Supporting Staff of the Kendra, Scientists from the Division of FST, SKUAST-K, other officers from Line Departments, farmers, entrepreneurs and students. Prof.Nazir A. Ganai emphasized the need for selection and uniformity in walnuts and focused on their Post-Harvest management.
He reprised the need to increase farmer’s income, which can be best achieved through agriculture and allied activities; and that agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Shyambir (IAS), DDC, Ganderbal felicitated the team members of PMFME and KVK Ganderbal for their untiring efforts in implementing the scheme and taking research leaps to grass root level. He hoped that the District Administration will help to take the technological support from KVK and University for up scaling initiatives identified to double farmer’s income in targeted areas .Dr. Ishfaq Abidi Head, KVK Ganderbal gave a detailed overview of activities undertaken by team KVK particularly with reference to fodder, vegetables, breed and feed conservation and promotion. He highlighted the importance of Walnut in the economy of J&K and emphasised the popularity of Kashmiri walnut throughout India and abroad owing to its taste and quality. Complete value change and post-harvest mechanization of walnut was showcased to the farmers on the occasion. Dr. Salman Chalkoo, Nodal Officer, PMFME emphasised that the scheme aims to augment the existing individual micro-enterprises and formalize micro food processing enterprises, with special focus on FPOs and SHGs.
He highlighted that Ganderbal is the first District to sanction a loan of Rs. 65.90 lacs to a single beneficiary under the Scheme and that the Team PMFME has also achieved the target of fifteen registrations in five workshops.The programme concluded with Interaction cum Feedback Session between the Scientists and farmers/participants, and they were made aware about benefits of various centrally sponsored schemes to be implemented at the grass root level.

KR Desk