MP Mian Altaf commends SKUAST-K’s intervention
SRINAGAR: SRINAGAR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganderbal organized an Input Distribution Ceremony for tribal farmers of the district on 16th September 2025 at Naranag. The initiative was undertaken as part of KVK’s mission to uplift tribal farming communities through scientific interventions, capacity building, and equitable access to agricultural resources.
Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi, Member of Parliament (Anantnag & Rajouri), graced the event as Chief Guest, and Jenab Mian Mehar Ali, MLA (Kangan), was the Guest of Honor. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K; Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, Director Extension-SKUAST-K; and Dr. Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Ganderbal, attended the programme. Scientists & supporting staff of KVK Ganderbal, officials from line departments, and members of civil society were also present.
In his keynote address, Mian Altaf commended KVK Ganderbal’s efforts at the grassroots level to connect tribal farmers with various government schemes and facilitate the distribution of essential inputs among them. He encouraged the farmers to move beyond subsistence farming and take advantage of training and skill development programmes offered by SKUAST-K for their empowerment. Mian Mehar Ali, MLA (Kangan), applauded the efforts of KVK Ganderbal for their impactful work in bringing farmer-focused initiatives to far-flung tribal areas.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, highlighted the role of economic empowerment of tribals through sustainable farming practices. He motivated farmers to adopt organic farming practices and focus on climate-resilient crops for better returns. Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, Director Extension-SKUAST-K, shared valuable insights regarding SKUAST-K’s outreach programmes and congratulated KVK Ganderbal for its unwavering commitment to the betterment of farmers in the district.
Dr. Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Ganderbal, provided a comprehensive overview of the programme and emphasized that access to modern farming tools and high-yielding varieties will play a key role in making tribals self-reliant. He reiterated KVK Ganderbal’s commitment to reaching out to the far-flung areas of Ganderbal for the socio-economic upliftment of farmers.
On the occasion, valuable agricultural inputs were distributed among the farmers. The programme was attended by a large gathering of tribal farmers from remote areas of Ganderbal, who expressed deep gratitude to KVK and SKUAST-K for their efforts in nurturing tribal communities.