 Early Times Report
REASI, Apr 15: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), under the dynamic leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi and the guidance of Director Research Prof. S.K. Gupta, organized a dedicated outreach programme for Scheduled Tribe (ST) rice farmers at Village Sungri, Panchayat Channa B, Block Chassana in District Reasi. The event was held under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) initiative of the Government of India.
The programme was conducted through the ICAR - All India Coordinated Research Programme (AICRP) on Rice, Chatha Centre, in collaboration with the Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Reasi, with the objective of promoting sustainable rice cultivation, distributing vital inputs, and enhancing the livelihoods of tribal farmers in the Mahore region.
The event was graced by Er. Khurshied Ahmed, Hon'ble MLA from Gulabgarh Constituency, who lauded SKUAST-Jammu's efforts in reaching out to tribal farming communities and highlighted the region's potential for agricultural diversification.
The success of the programme was made possible by robust coordination and logistical support from the Reasi District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Ms. Nidhi Malik (IAS), ADDC Sh. Sukhdev Singh Samyal, and Chief Agriculture Officer Sh. Harbans Singh.
As part of the initiative, 200 Agricultural Input Kits were distributed to ST rice farmers. Each kit included a Knapsack Sprayer, Rake, and 12 kg of Giza variety rice seed. The distribution was overseen by the local agriculture team headed by Sh. Naresh Gupta (SDAO Dharmari) and supported by field officers Sh. Dara Singh (AEO Channa), Sh. Sanjay Sharma (AEO Chassana), Sh. Vikas Sharma (SMS Dharmari), and Sh. Jasbir Singh (AEO Lar), in collaboration with SKUAST-Jammu scientists.
Technical sessions were conducted by experts from SKUAST-Jammu, including Dr. Anuradha Saha, Chief Scientist and Incharge, AICRP on Rice, who provided training on scientific rice farming practices, pest management, and soil health. She was joined by Dr. R.S. Sudan (Chief Scientist - Rice Breeding), Dr. Rajan Salalia (Chief Scientist - Entomology), and Dr. Parveen Singh (Chief Scientist & Incharge, AICRP on Oilseeds - Maize Breeding). The experts also emphasized the importance of organic and natural farming methods to promote environmentally sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.
This impactful outreach activity under the ICAR-AICRP framework and the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) underscores SKUAST-Jammu's commitment to tribal farmer empowerment, sustainable development, and technological dissemination in remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir. |
