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| Governing Body meeting of SKUAST | | Governor, CM ask SKUAST researchers to reach out to farmers | |
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Mar 30- The Governor, N. N. Vohra and the Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, have called upon scientists and researchers of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, to appreciate the close relationship between the Universities and the farming community for increasing agriculture production and productivity. Describing that there was a direct connect between agriculture research and agriculture economy of the state, they exhorted the University to seek greater coordination with the agriculture extension network of the State Government for translating research into improved agricultural practices on the ground.
Addressing the 17th Governing Body meeting of SKUAST, Kashmir, here today, the Governor and the Chief Minister expressed the hope that the University will come up to the expectations of the farming community and give new direction to agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir particularly diversification of agriculture into allied sectors like horticulture, floriculture, vegetable cultivation, sheep and wool production, oil seeds and pulses, saffron cultivation and poultry.
The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, impressed upon the authorities to also give attention to the Animal Husbandry, forestry and fisheries sectors, including willow plantation, under a Task Force approach. He underlined the need for setting up of Demonstration Plots in each of the agri-allied sectors in different areas of Kashmir Division to share new and best practices with farmers and build on the feedback received from the farming community for further ensuring flow of technology and skills to the farmers.
Vohra directed the University authorities to launch special job-oriented programs in a manner in which those passing out could start their entrepreneurial ventures. He asked for setting up of monitor-able benchmarks so that progress achieved in regard to creation of self- employment opportunities in agriculture and related sectors is assessed. The Chief Minister also suggested the establishment of facilities for Business Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development in agriculture.
The Governor also called for building better connectivity with other concerned Universities for sharing knowledge and expertise with a view to further improving the internal working of the University. The Governor also stressed the need for following set norms in making appointments and undertaking purchases.
The Chief Minister, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the University, highlighted the need for enhanced linkage between theoretical research and practical “on-ground” implementation so that the purpose of establishment of the University is realized to the full extent. He observed that the University should focus on extending benefits of scientific advancements to the farming community so that productivity and production is increased. He directed that the collective aim should be to lead the farmers from traditional to progressive farming. He called upon the University authorities to pay focused attention to modern agriculture techniques relevant to local geo-climatic conditions.
Omar called for according priority to high value and low volume products so that greater financial benefits accrue to the farmers. He said that such a strategy would also facilitate the timely transportation of agriculture produce and better marketing of such produce He also indicated that the State Government will positively consider funding the infrastructural requirements of the University and seek necessary financial assistance for the same from the Central Government.
On the occasion, the Governor and the Chief Minister released two publications of SKUAST, Kashmir, based on research carried out in the University.
Later, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir, Prof. Anwar Alam, highlighted various achievements made by the University. He informed that the University has released 60 varieties of rice so far, including 17 released in the recent past. He stated that animal disease and pest diagnostic control measures and vaccines have been also been developed at the University. The University identified vaccine for foot rot, which is a unique achievement, the Vice Chancellor added.
He said the University has established Rajiv Gandhi Chair in contemporary studies under UGC funding and is the 10th such University out of 227 Agriculture Universities in the country to do so. He said the University has a proposal of establishing five more Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Chief Minister has assured that the land for the purpose would be provided for the University.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, Prof. B. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Governor, B. B. Vyas and Registrar, SKUAST, Kashmir, Manzoor Ahmad were also present in the meeting.
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