Bandipora: Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, concluded a three-day visit to Gurez during which she reviewed ongoing agricultural interventions and interacted with farmers, farm women and aspiring entrepreneurs across the valley.
The visit covered the three regions of Bagtore, Gurez and Tulail, where the Director assessed field-level implementation of extension programmes and reviewed agricultural initiatives being undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gurez.
During the tour, she monitored Front-Line Demonstrations (FLDs) and On-Farm Trials (OFTs) conducted by KVK Gurez during 2026-27, including wheat trials (SW-03) under the National Seed Project (NSP), SKUAST-Kashmir. Officials said the programme covers over 70 hectares and benefits around 700 farming families in Gurez, Tulail and Chakwali.
Prof. Kanth also inspected the Potato Seed Village at Badugam, Maize Village at Tarbal and Buckwheat Seed Village at Dangan in Bagtore, where she reviewed crop performance and interacted with farmers.
She said that, under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, KVK Gurez has been directed to intensify efforts for the revival of traditional crops and the introduction of new agricultural technologies to enhance productivity, generate income opportunities and improve the livelihoods of tribal farming communities.
The Director appreciated the work carried out by KVK Gurez and said the centre had made significant progress in implementing extension programmes in the remote border region.
Referring to the International Year of the Women Farmer (IYWF-2026), she said SKUAST-Kashmir is committed to promoting gender empowerment through measures aimed at reducing farm drudgery, enhancing women’s participation in agricultural decision-making and improving their social and economic security.
As part of the programme, 50 tribal farming families, most of them women from the remote Banjran area of Bagtore, were provided quality farm inputs free of cost under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP-ICAR).
Farmers who interacted with the Director appreciated the efforts of KVK Gurez in supporting the farming community and strengthening agriculture in the valley.
