SRINAGAR: Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST Kashmir, organized a one-day input distribution and awareness program under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pulses, Government of India. The event took place at Drabihaal Verinag and was attended by 50 farmers who benefited from the distribution of seeds of the pea variety *Shalimar Pea-2*, an improved variety suitable for the region, along with other essential farm inputs.
The program was coordinated by Prof. Ajaz A. Lone (Prof. GPB), Dr. Tauseef Ahmad (Agronomist), and Dr. Seerat Un Nissa (Soil Scientist), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Jammu & Kashmir.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Tauseef Ahmad, followed by an informative lecture from Prof. Ajaz A. Lone. He emphasized the importance of varietal selection for peas and highlighted that this input distribution and awareness initiative is a vital step toward equipping local farmers with high-quality seeds and modern cultivation techniques.
Through this program, the objective is to raise awareness about recommended pulse varieties, efficient production practices, and climate-resilient agriculture to improve pulse productivity in the region. The event encouraged farmers to adopt timely sowing, disease management, and the use of certified seeds to ensure better yields and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Tauseef Ahmad stressed the importance of educating farmers on optimal sowing dates, seed handling, fertilizer application timing, and disease control practices to maximize yield and resource use efficiency. Dr. Seerat Un Nissa discussed the significance of soil test-based fertilizer recommendations and emphasized the use of well-decomposed farmyard manure and vermicompost to enhance soil fertility and crop yields.
Additionally, a community-based low-cost vermicompost unit was established in the area to provide firsthand experience to the tribal community regarding organic farming practices and their benefits.
The contributions of the Agriculture Department were highly appreciated by the farming community for their efforts to improve agricultural livelihoods. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Nissar Ahmad, AEO Qamar, who expressed gratitude to the Principal Investigator of the project and the Indian Institute of Pulse Research, Kanpur, for their financial support and assistance in conducting the program.