SRINAGAR: The Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir organized a Mega Outreach Programme aimed at promoting vegetable cultivation and augmenting quality seed production in the tribal belts of district Kupwara.
The event was graced by the presence of the District Development Council (DDC) Member,Kalaroos Mr. Mustafa Rahi,who appreciated SKUAST-K’s efforts in reaching out to remote communities and ensuring technology transfer at the grassroots level. On this occasion, Mr. Iqbal Choudhary, CEO, Shalimar Seed Company also attended the programme and elaborated about various programs of SKUAST-K to improve production and quality of vegetables.
The programme was designed to enhance awareness among tribal farmers about improved vegetable production technologies, seed quality enhancement, and sustainable farming practices.Prof. Ishfaq Abidi,Head Division of Vegtable Science,Professor Shahnaz Mufti, Scientists from the Division of Vegetable Science Dr. Rizwan Rashid, Dr. Asima Amin and Dr. Berjes Zehra conducted technical sessions on scientific methods of vegetable cultivation, varietal selection, integrated nutrient and pest management, and seed production techniques tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
A special focus was laid on empowering the tribal farming community by introducing high-yielding and region-specific vegetable varieties in village Hachmarg Tehsil Ramhal to improve productivity and ensure nutritional security. Farmers were also sensitized on the importance of seed sovereignty and the role of community-based seed systems in strengthening local agriculture.
As part of the event, newly released varieties of pea were distributed among tribal farmers at Village Kalaros to encourage adoption of high-yielding and locally suitable cultivars.
In addition, awareness sessions were conducted for school students on self-sustainable nutrition gardening, highlighting the importance of household-level vegetable production for improved dietary diversity and nutritional well-being.