Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 12: Governor, N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences- Kashmir, stressed the usefulness of enhancing organic agricultural practices in the State.
He said this in his inaugural speech at the opening of 3rd J&K Agricultural Science Congress, organized at SKUAST-K. The theme of this Congress is “Organic Agriculture: Prospects in Jammu and Kashmir”.
Sharing his concern over the continuous decline in the soil fertility and increasing residual toxicity in the soil and water due to intensive use of chemicals, the Governor said that the prevalent agricultural practices have led to serious health problems and have adversely affected the sensitive biodiversity.
Congratulating SKUSAT-K for its efforts in reviving and marketing of Mushkbudji, the traditional rice variety of Kashmir, he said that this initiative should be made as the stepping stone to larger public-private partnerships in the arena of agriculture. He hoped that with strong market linkages, organic agriculture would bring more profits to the farmers. He also appreciated the efforts of Sarveshwar Organic Foods Limited in marketing of this rare aromatic variety of rice from Kashmir valley. The Governor also released Kamad, another traditional variety of rice in Kashmir.
The Governor urged the scientists to work towards raising new varieties and seeds and to change the cropping pattern as per the changing climatic and weather conditions. He further said that scientists should concentrate on devising ways and means to enhance the production and productivity of the crops in the rainfed areas as 60 % of the agricultural area in India is rainfed. He said that increased efforts in this direction would contribute towards addressing issues of food security in the country.
The Governor also lauded the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Gurez and Nyoma and hoped that these KVKs and the Research Station at Zanskar would help in increasing wool and agricultural production in the arid region of Ladakh.
The Governor emphasized the importance of increased coordination between the various agencies related to the agriculture and allied sectors and said that quality coordination between the stakeholders could provide better support to the farmers in increasing production and productivity in agriculture.
The Governor released 3 SKUAST-K Policy and Research Publications: “Apple Orchards of Kashmir valley- A Study on the State of Affairs; “Rainfed Farming- A Review of Past and Future”; “Organic Agriculture Vision and Strategy- A Framework for J&K”. He also released a souvenir on the 3rd J&K Agricultural Science Congress.
The Governor felicitated Alla-ud-Din Ahmad, Dr.M.Y. Kamal and Prof. Anwar Aalam, former Vice Chancellors of the SKUAST-K, and lauded Dr. Parray for his work to support the farmers of Sagam Village, District Anantnag, in reviving Mushkbudji rice.
On the occasion, Sompal, former Chairman, National Commission on Farmers and former Union Minister of State for Agriculture presented the key note address on decreasing soil fertility and adverse effects of intensive use of chemicals to the living organisms.
Dr. Tej Pratap, Vice Chancellor, highlighted the research work being done in the University and at its various campuses and KVKs and described the facilities which are being created there. Dr Shafiq A. Wani, Director Research, presented details about the Conference.
Syed Ajaz Ahmed, a progressive farmer, spoke about bio control agents and availability of markets for adoption of organic agriculture.
The Governor went round the newly completed buildings of the University and viewed the facilities created therein. He inaugurated Nund Reshi Convention Centre, Boys Hostel and Villa Willows Guest House in the Campus and complimented the Vice Chancellor for the good work done in building the required infrastructure at the University.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University; Dr. Trag, VC Islamic University of Science and Technology; Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J; B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Finance; Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Asgar Hassan Samoon, Commissioner Agriculture Production were among the many dignitaries present on the occasion.
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