SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has identified aquatic agriculture, crop diversification, protected cultivation and value addition among key areas for strengthening farm incomes and livelihoods in Bandipora.
The focus emerged during the 20th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora, held on Friday under the chairmanship of SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib (JKAS) attended the meeting as Guest of Honour, while Director Extension SKUAST-K Prof Raihana Habib Kanth also participated in the deliberations.
During the meeting, KVK Bandipora presented its Annual Progress Report for 2025-26, outlining the activities and achievements undertaken during the year. Programme Coordinator Dr Tariq Sultan later presented the action plan for the forthcoming period.
The proposed plan includes interventions in crop diversification, aquatic agriculture, horticulture, protected cultivation, value addition, technology demonstrations, farmer training and capacity building.
Dr Sultan also briefed the committee about ongoing initiatives and proposed programmes aimed at addressing emerging production and livelihood challenges faced by farmers in the district.
Prof Ganai appreciated KVK Bandipora’s farmer-oriented extension activities and called for greater dissemination and adoption of agricultural technologies.
He stressed the need to promote innovative and climate-resilient farming practices while ensuring that interventions contribute directly towards enhancing farm incomes and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Chib appreciated the KVK’s contribution to agricultural development in Bandipora and called for stronger coordination between the KVK and district administration to expand farmer-focused initiatives.
Prof Kanth emphasised the need for need-based extension programmes, field demonstrations and capacity-building initiatives, besides strengthening interaction between farmers and scientists.
Progressive farmers who participated in the meeting shared their experiences and suggestions on agricultural production and emerging challenges in the district.
The SAC members also reviewed the Annual Progress Report and Action Plan and suggested measures to further strengthen the activities of KVK Bandipora.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on technology-driven extension, diversification of farming systems and interventions tailored to the priority needs of the farming community.
