Baramulla: A five-day Skill Development Training Programme under the Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) project on “Advanced Seed Production Techniques in Cereal and Vegetable Crops” concluded successfully at ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Baramulla.
The programme, organized to build the technical competence of rural youth in scientific seed production, processing, and agri-entrepreneurship, aimed to promote self-reliance and employment generation in the agriculture sector. It was coordinated by Dr. Shoaib Nissar Kirmani (SMS Horticulture) and Dr. Sajad Ahmad Sheikh (SMS Agronomy) under the guidance of Dr. Wasim Hassan Raja, Programme Coordinator and Head, ICAR-KVK Baramulla.
The training was inaugurated on November 3 with a welcome address by Dr. Kirmani, who expressed gratitude to Dr. Raja for his leadership in organizing such skill-based initiatives for unemployed youth. In his inaugural remarks, Dr. Raja underscored the importance of developing scientific expertise in seed production to strengthen local seed systems and foster sustainable livelihoods under the ARYA initiative.
Over the course of five days, experts from ICAR-CITH, SKUAST-Kashmir, and other institutions conducted detailed sessions on various aspects of seed production. Dr. Kirmani initiated the programme with a lecture on the “Fundamentals and Planning of Seed Production,” focusing on genetic purity, certification processes, and post-harvest handling.
Subsequent sessions included lectures by Dr. Sajad Un Nabi on “Disease Management in Seeds,” Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Dar on “Hybrid Maize Production,” and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad on “Pulse Crops and Their Scenario in India.” Dr. Sajad Ahmad Sheikh discussed “Fodder Production Systems in India,” providing insights into productivity enhancement through scientific interventions.
On the third day, Dr. Anjali Gairola (SMS Home Science) and Dr. Neeraj (SMS Plant Protection) conducted sessions on “Seed Storage Techniques” and “Seed Health and Certification,” respectively, emphasizing quality maintenance and the regulatory framework governing seed certification in India.
An exposure visit was organized on the fourth day to the Government Seed Multiplication Unit, Tapper Pattan, where participants observed large-scale seed multiplication, processing, grading, and testing operations under the guidance of Dr. Naeem Shafi, Farm In-Charge.
On the final day, participants were introduced to asexual propagation methods in temperate fruit crops, including budding, grafting, and layering, through hands-on demonstrations by Dr. Kirmani. Certificates were distributed to participants following feedback and a brief valedictory session.
Around 30 rural youth, farm women, and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs from different parts of Baramulla district participated in the training. Scientists and experts from ICAR-KVK Baramulla, ICAR-CITH Srinagar, and SKUAST-Kashmir served as key resource persons throughout the programme.
The five-day training under the ARYA initiative provided a practical and scientific learning platform for rural youth, aligning with ICAR’s vision of transforming agriculture through skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.