Gurez, Bandipora – The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Administrative cum Laboratory Block at KVK Gurez on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director of Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Mukhdoomi; the Director of Research and Development, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik; Estates Officer Er. Junaid Nazir Khan; members of the local administration; officers from various Development Departments; progressive farmers; trainees; entrepreneurs; as well as the Head and scientific and supporting staff of KVK Gurez and MAR&ES, Izmarg.
The Vice-Chancellor, while inaugurating the facility located at the foothills of the renowned Haba-Khatoon Hill in Dawar, stated that this setup would serve as a center of excellence for training farmers in frontier areas. It aims to impart skills and knowledge to rural youth through capacity-building programs and to serve as a model for various agricultural demonstrations in the Gurez Valley. “We are committed to keeping Gurez pesticide-free and promoting sustainable agriculture by focusing on niche crops such as Kala Zeera, Potato, Buckwheat, Rajmash, and Honey, while also preserving local biodiversity, including Gurezi Sheep,” he added. He emphasized that Gurez should be recognized as a brand for organic produce, asserting the need for organic methods in pest and disease control to enhance the quality of life and ensure profitability in agriculture.
During his visit to various stalls at the Kendra, the Vice-Chancellor learned about a project initiated by the Division of LPT, FVSc & AH Shuhama in collaboration with KVK Gurez. The HADP project aims to equip participants with knowledge followed by hands-on support, including processing tools and techniques such as Paddle Operated Charkha, as well as assistance in branding and marketing woolen products. The Chief Guest observed innovative designs of products developed from local Gurezi sheep and suggested improvements to enhance their market appeal, along with the identification and preservation of local germplasm of niche crops for revival programs.
The Director of Extension expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for turning support from ATARI, ICAR (GoI) Zone-I into reality, noting that the building was completed within a specified timeframe in the remote area of Gurez. He expressed confidence that the Kendra would play a vital role in the development of the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, the Director of Research emphasized the importance of quality improvement and value addition to fully harness available potential and offered his full support for research and extension activities in Gurez.
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, in charge of KVK Gurez / MAR&ES Izmarg, highlighted the center’s activities and thanked the Vice-Chancellor for providing modern infrastructure, including borewells, a custom-hiring center, and hi-tech polyhouses.
During the event, an Extension folder titled “Promotion of High-Value Vegetable Crops to Enhance Nutritional Security and Income Generation in Gurez Valley” was launched by the Chief Guest. Following the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor held a brief meeting with the Commanding Officer of the 20 Battalion, Rana, Izmarg, to discuss collaborative efforts for the growth and development of agriculture and allied sectors in the area.
In closing, the Vice-Chancellor commended the efforts of the Head and all scientists, including Dr. B.A. Zargar, Dr. N.A. Mir, Dr. M.M. Magray, and Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad, and called for increased collaboration with the relevant departments to promote overall growth and development in the Gurez Valley’s agricultural sector.
