HADP a robust plan to overhaul the farming sector: Atal Dulloo
VC SKUAST-K says farmers are priority of the university

Awantipora: The 26th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Pulwama and the 10th SAC meeting of KVK Anantnag were jointly conducted in the auditorium of Krishi Vigan Kendra Malangpora on Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by Additional Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Dr Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai co-chaired the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K, Director Research Prof. T H Masoodi, Director Planning Prof. H R Naik, other officers of SKUAST Kashmir, Heads of Different KVKs, District Officers of the Line Departments, Scientists of KVK’s and a number of progressive farmers/entrepreneurs of the twin Districts.
During the visit, the Additional Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and VC SKUAST-K Dr Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganaie jointly inaugurated many newly developed units including Vermiculture Unit, Grape block, Duckery Unit, Honey extraction Unit, Smart Classroom and Auditorium at KVK Malangpora campus, officials told Kashmir Reader.
Speaking on the occasion, Atal Dullo focussed on the HADP projects and stressed upon the KVKs for their successful implementation. He impressed upon both the university and development departments to work in a coordinated manner for the betterment of the farming community.
“I am thankful to Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganie for inviting me and providing me a chance to talk to you here,” ACS Atal Dullo said, adding that the officials taking part in the scientific advisory committee meet will deliberate and discuss various issues so that solutions for the betterment of farmers emerge from them.
He said that the government has announced a robust plan for overhauling the farming sector through holistic development of agriculture and allied sector.
“The development of KVKs is the main component of the policy,” he said.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Dr Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, congratulated KVK Pulwama for massive land development and for establishing new demonstration units of an integrated farming system at the Kendra campus which has become a model KVK for the farmers. He emphasised that the farmers are the priority of the University and scientists are working effortlessly to ameliorate the socio-economic condition of the farmers. The VC thanked the Government of J&K for the Holistic Agriculture Development Project which has brought the University & line departments under one umbrella.
Prof. Dr Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K, appreciated the efforts of both the KVKs in carrying out their mandated activities religiously and focussed on the initiatives of the University which are set to change the scenario of agriculture and allied sectors in the UT. He expressed gratitude to all the officers for their valuable presence.
The scientists and officers of line departments pledged to work in unison to carry forward the technological developments undertaken by the university to fulfill the motive of making Agriculture and allied sectors remunerative.
On the occasion, publications of KVK Pulwama scientists including a Compendium on “ Medicinal and Aromatic Plants”, folders on Backyard Poultry Farming and Protected vegetable cultivation were also released.
Prof Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head KVK Pulwama and Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Head KVK Anantnag presented detailed power point presentations of the progress report for the year 2022-23 and proposed action plan for the year 2023-24. Both heads highlighted the potential areas of their respective districts which have been channelized to uplift the farming community of the respective Districts. They assured that the KVKs will provide complete technological backup support & carve innovative solutions to revive the niche crops of the concerned districts.
The programme concluded with an interaction cum feedback session in which entrepreneurs of the District expressed the desire to work on scientific lines under the guidance of Team KVK. The programme was moderated by Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Ganie, Scientist in Animal Science and was concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Rukhsar Ahmad Dar, a scientist at KVK Pulwama.
Talking to Kashmir Reader Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Dr Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie said that during the scientific advisory committee, they review the progress of the previous year and prepare a roadmap for the next year with progressive farmers and officers of line departments.
“Holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors will be the main focus of this year’s action plan,” the VC said.

BILAL HABIB