SRINAGAR: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, rated SKUAST-K project “Setting up of mechanized walnut processing clusters in the aspirational district Kupwara of Jammu & Kashmir” as “GRAND EXCELLENT”.
Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain, PI of the project established two model walnut processing units, with all the facilities of walnut processing under the said project in district Kupwara. Both the units are registered with FSSAI and around 1,620 walnut growers were trained in these model walnut processing units, besides 13 SHGs were created out of the trained participants.
Handling capacity of walnuts growers who availed the processing services at these model walnut processing units was increased from 12-15 quintals to 30-35 quintals while their annual earnings rose from 5 lakh to 12 lakh making substantial leap in production of quality walnuts and income generation of walnut growers in district Kupwara.
The DBT Steering Committee commended the efforts of Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain and his team for effectively bridging critical gaps in traditional post-harvest handling practices and in view of excellent performance of the project, DBT recommended setting up of 6–8 more such units in other walnut growing districts of J&K.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K congratulated Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain for his exemplary work and visionary leadership. He further said that, these efforts collectively underscore SKUAST-K’s commitment to agricultural innovation, rural empowerment, and sustainable economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir.