Awareness cum seed distribution program held at Tulail, Gurez

BANDIPORA, JULY 10: As the part of broader initiative to bring more area under genetically improved varieties aimed at enhancement of agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the higher himalayan zone of Gurez valley, an awareness cum distribution program of good quality high yielding seed of Shalimar Wheat-2 variety was Wednesday held at Dangithal village of Tulial, Gurez.

The programme was organized by AICRP-National Seed Project in collaboration with KVK-Gurez. Good number of local farmers & farm women experts participated in the program.

The event was attended by Director Research of SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, who emphasized the importance of adopting improved agricultural practices to boost crop yield and ensure sustainable farming in the region. He directed the team to fulfil the requirements with respect to adoption of new technologies and recommendations from SKUAST-Kashmir for the farm families.

On the occasion, tribal farmers were served with 40 quintals of high yielding seed stocks for taking up the sowing operations in the next season. The variety is expected to enhance the productivity levels from current 10 q per ha to 30 q per ha and ensure the harvest of 300 q green fodder for supporting the cattle and sheep population.

Head NSP Prof. Asif Bashir Shikari deliberated upon the significance of quality seed in enhancing the production and sensitized the farmers on new beneficiary related provisions.

Dr Aflaq Hamid Wani, Dr Gowhar Ali and Dr Bilal Ahmad Bhat were among other experts who interacted with the participants. They highlighted the benefits of high yielding wheat varieties, modern farming techniques, and efficient resource management. These sessions were designed to equip the farmers with the necessary knowledge to maximize their crop productivity.