KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
The scientists at SK University of Agricultural Sciences Kashmir Mondays said that livestock and agriculture were crucial for overall food security of a society.
A two-day “National Group Meet” of All India Co-ordained Research Project on Forage Crops & Utilization started at SKUAST-K in collaboration with ICAR in Nund Reshi Convention Centre of the University today.
“Livestock production and agriculture are complementary to each other,” VC SKUAST-K, Prof Nazeer Ahmad said addressing the delegates. “Both are crucial for overall food security.”
The audience included Dr J S Chauhan and Dr J S Solanki, ADG’s of ICAR were present on the occasion besides 120 delegates from different SAUs & Centres, Officers/HoDs/Scientists of University, Heads of Line Departments, Progressive farmers and other stakeholders.
“65-70 per cent of the population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and contributes 14.10 % to GDP,” the VC informed, “while Livestock contributes 4% to national GDP and is a source of employment and livelihood for most of the population in rural areas.”
“Future plans should focus on survey studies for bench mark status of pastures, grazing lands and other fodder resources, studies on distribution of Pasture flora, their ecological status, reseeding, grassland management, weed control, propagation and introduction of HY varieties, regeneration of degraded range and forest land, create grass cover for grazing during spring and autumn to provide quality rich hay during critical periods, rotational/deferred grazing,” he said.
Prof Nazeer emphasized on scientists “to work on genetic improvement which is an important component in stabilizing fodder production in the state”.
A statement issued by the agricultural varsity said that ten publications including the Annual Report (Kharif-2015) of AICRP-FC and a book on Oats were released on the occasion.
