GANDERBAL: To bolster the export potential of high-value agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganderbal today organized a comprehensive capacity development program focused on the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables. The day-long programme was sponsored by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Regional Office (Srinagar). The program aimed to sensitize local farmers to the shifting global market trends and the lucrative opportunities presented by non-traditional crops like broccoli, colored bell peppers, celery, parsley and kiwi.
The programme started with welcome address by Dr. Faiqa Syeed, Scientist KVK Ganderbal. Dr. Azra Mufti (Business Development Manager, APEDA) gave a comprehensive overview of the organization & its initiatives in J&K. Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi & Dr. Shaheen Farooq, Scientists from KVK Ganderbal presented insightful lectures regarding export fruit potential & Integrated farming models. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Ganderbal emphasized the transformative role of exotic Vegetables in Kashmir’s economy. He noted that these ventures can create new livelihood opportunities across the value chain from production and processing to packaging, branding, and export. Exotic crops represent the future of Kashmir’s agriculture. They embody opportunity, resilience, and prosperity. By embracing them, our farmers can redefine livelihoods, strengthen nutritional security, and carve a niche in international agri-trade. Dr. Malik stated.
The event was joined by Ms. Sehreen Maqbool (Regional Head of APEDA) in virtual mode who shared vital insights into the organization’s pivotal role in bridging the gap between local farms and international markets. She elaborated on APEDA’s mandate to promote scheduled products through financial assistance, market intelligence, and the development of export-oriented infrastructure. Highlighting the untapped potential of Ganderbal, she encouraged farmers to leverage APEDA’s various schemes, which facilitate quality certification to global branding and participation in international trade fairs.