Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir organised a daylong awareness-cum-popularisation program on apple production technologies at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anantnag on Thursday.
The awareness program was organised under the Innovative Extension Approaches for Promoting Agriculture in J&K project of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) on ‘Enhancing Apple Production: Comprehensive Pre and Post-Harvest Management Strategies with Value Addition Techniques’.
Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof Dil M Makhdoomi, who was the chief guest, emphasised the potential of HADP to make farming not only economically rewarding but also appealing to the youth, agricultural entrepreneurs, and farmers. He highlighted the pivotal role of technology in bridging the gap between scientists and farmers, underscoring the vital contribution of the apple industry to Jammu & Kashmir’s economy. Naib Tehsildar Dooru Farooq Ahmad Dar, stressed the importance of knowledge and exchange of scientific ideas among farmers, rural youth, and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the positive impact of such interactions hold for the horticultural landscape of the district. Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan, Head, KVK-Anantnag, while presenting an overview of the programme emphasized the significance of adopting Good Horticultural Practices for maximizing returns and underscored the importance of awareness programs targeting the farming community. A number of apple growers, entrepreneurs, innovators, SHGs and members of JKRLM Shangus and Dooru participated in the daylong program.

KR Desk