SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) successfully concluded the week long Capacity Building Programme on Agri Niche Crop Promotion Support & Horticulture Promotion Support under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP), funded by IFAD. The training, organised by the SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Extension from 8th to 13th August 2025, aimed to enhance the technical, managerial, and extension delivery skills of officers and field staff from the agriculture and horticulture departments across the Union
Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof Raihana Habib Kanth, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, said the program addressed critical skill gaps, equipping participants with the capacity to adopt and promote innovative practices in niche crop cultivation, orchard management, post-harvest handling, and market linkages. She emphasised that the trained officers and field staff would serve as key facilitators in cascading knowledge to farmers at the grassroots level, introducing relevant technologies in the field, ensuring effective implementation of programmes, and identifying researchable issues for further innovation.
Project Coordinator JKCIP, Prof Ashiq H Pandith, talked about the thematic coverage of the programme, including identification and promotion of high-value niche crops such as saffron, lavender, buckwheat, and quinoa; adoption of good agricultural practices and climate-resilient cropping patterns; orchard rejuvenation techniques; integrated pest and disease management; etc. Dr Farahanaz Rasool, Deputy Director Trainings, gave an overview of the activities conducted during the training programme.
A total of 300 participants, including 48 agriculture officers, 48 horticulture officers, and 200 field staff attended the programme. Prof. Purshottam Singh and Mujtaba, Deputy Director, Law & Enforcement Department, were also present on the occasion.
The programme concluded with recommendations to organise season-specific refresher trainings, exposure visits to model farms, and the strengthening of ICT based advisory tools for real-time farmer support.