BANDIPORA: Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST-K in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez organised a programme for Tribal farmers under AICRP TSP-Maize on Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production sponsored by Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana.
The event co-hosted by Programme Coordinator KVK -Gurez was attended by more than 40 tribal farmers across Gurez Valley along with scientists from DARS, Dr Amir Hassan, Dr Shabir Ahmad and field staff of KVK Gurez.
The formal proceeding started under the chairmanship of Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad at Dak Bungalow. Acknowledging the role of SKUAST-Kashmir he stressed upon the farmers to harness the benefits of different technologies developed by the SKUAST-Kashmir for enhancement of socio-economic status.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Faisul Rasool, Scientist DARS and Incharge Outreach ACRIP on Maize highlighted the potential and prospects of SKUAST-K, released variety viz KG-2 under Gurez conditions while adopting the given package of practices.
Different villages have been brought under the ambit of this potential variety across the Gurez Valley while the farmers were given free of cost tarpaulin sheets to ensure drying of Maize grains on desired lines and to retain its quality, informed the scientist.
He appreciated the support provided by KVK Gurez in facilitating and implementation of the programme.
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik Programme Coordinator & Head KVK -Gurez highlighted the role of the centre of excellence -KVK Gurez and said that the very objective of the KVK is to bring an overall change in the quality of life of farmers, enhancement in knowledge and skill besides profitability through adoption of various technologies, demonstration and trainings in respect of Agriculture and allied sectors.
The farmers expressed their satisfaction with the performance of KG-2 over local cultivars in terms of different attributes including area expansion.
