 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 3: 30th Annual Group Meeting of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Rapeseed Mustard commenced today at the prestigious Baba Jitto Auditorium, SKUAST-Jammu. Dr. B.N. Tripathi, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, ADG (Oilseeds & Pulses), ICAR, New Delhi was the Guest of Honour.
In his address, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu highlighted the pressing challenges posed by the projected population growth. To meet the growing demand for essential food items, including oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meat, he stressed the need for substantial improvement in agricultural practices, increased productivity and sustainable farming techniques. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that technological interventions and sustainable farming practices enhancing productivity while minimizing environmental impact must be embraced by all stakeholders. Addressing the alarming deficit in oilseed production, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that the country currently faces over 60% annual demand shortfall. Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory) also reported a deficit in total oilseed production by over 70%.
The Vice Chancellor praised the role of the ICAR sanctioned AICRP sub-centre at SKUAST-Jammu that was established in 2009 and has significantly increased the acreage and productivity of rapeseed mustard crops in the region. The initiative has achieved remarkable results over the past decade, with acreage increasing from 55,000 hectares and productivity from 762 kg/ha in 2012 to 140,000 hectares and 1149 kg/ha, respectively in 2022. The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the recent sanction of 31 crore project by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, focusing on the promotion of oilseeds under the "Holistic Agricultural Development Project (HADP)." This collaborative effort with the SKUAST-Jammu in the Union Territory aims to overcome the shortage of oilseeds in J&K-UT in the next 3-5 years in a phased manner.
During the meeting, Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, ADG (Oilseeds & Pulses), ICAR, New Delhi, emphasized the significance of oilseed production and the challenges and opportunities in the sector. He stated that the production of oilseeds has been a top priority, given its vital contribution of 5% to the total GDP. Dr. Gupta mentioned that ICAR is actively collaborating with NITI Aayog to set challenges and goals for the year 2047. The aim is to achieve surplus production in oilseeds, pulses, meat. |
