Kupwara, Sep 26: The Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir successfully organized a Mega Outreach Programme aimed at promoting vegetable cultivation and augmenting quality seed production in the tribal belts of district Kupwara.
The event was graced by the presence of the District Development Council (DDC) Kalaroos Mr. Mustafa Rahi Member, who appreciated SKUAST-K’s efforts in reaching out to remote communities and ensuring technology transfer at the grassroots level. On this occasion, Mr. Iqbal Choudhary, CEO, Seed Company Shalimar also attended the programme and elaborated about various programs of SKUAST-K to improve production and quality of vegetables appreciated the Division’s efforts in extending improved technologies and quality seed material to the remotest communities of the region.
The programme was designed to enhance awareness among tribal farmers about improved vegetable production technologies, seed quality enhancement, and sustainable farming practices under the leadership of Professor and Head Division of Vegetable Science Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Expert Scientist Professor Shahnaz Mufti, Scientists from the Division of Vegetable Science Dr. Rizwan Rashid, Dr. Asima Amin and Dr. Berjes Zehra conducted technical sessions on scientific methods of vegetable cultivation, varietal selection, integrated nutrient and pest management, and seed production techniques tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
(a) At village Hachmarg Kupwara :
A special focus was laid on empowering the tribal farming community by introducing high-yielding and region-specific vegetable varieties in village Hachmarg Tehsil Ramhal to improve productivity and ensure nutritional security. Farmers were also sensitized on the importance of seed sovereignty and the role of community-based seed systems in strengthening local agriculture.
(b) At village Kalaroos :
As part of the event, newly released varieties of pea were distributed among tribal farmers to encourage adoption of high-yielding and locally suitable cultivars. Scientists from the Division delivered technical lectures and demonstrations on scientific vegetable production practices, seed quality enhancement and sustainable farming methods.
(c) Tribal School at Kupwara
In addition, awareness sessions were conducted for school students on self-sustainable nutrition gardening, highlighting the importance of household-level vegetable production for improved dietary diversity and nutritional well-being. The students were sensitized on how nutrition gardens can contribute to food security and self-reliance.
The programme created a strong platform for knowledge exchange and practical demonstrations, furthering the Division’s mission of strengthening vegetable production and community-based seed systems in tribal areas.
Demonstrations, interactive sessions, and distribution of quality seed kits were part of the programme, enabling farmers to gain hands-on exposure. The initiative also highlighted market linkages and value addition opportunities to enhance the income of tribal farmers.
The outreach programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 progressive farmers, tribal youth, women self-help groups, and local stakeholders appreciated the efforts of the Division of Vegetable Science in extending technology to remote regions and assured their support for future collaborations.
Professor Ishfaq Abidi was of the opinion that this initiative is a step towards transforming vegetable cultivation in tribal belts of Kupwara strengthening livelihood oppprtunity, nutritional security, and self-reliance in seed production. He informed that the programme was held under the instruction of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Director Research to inculcate new technologies and inputs
