Sher-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir observed Soil Health Day across all Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Kashmir and Ladakh Division.About 1300 Soil Health Cards were distributed among the farming community by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the University KVKs under the aegis of SKUAST-Kashmir. The soil samples got from farmers fields were tested for analyzing the soil health conditions and based on the reports of the samples, recommendations were given for improving the soil health aimed for better production and productivity.Prof. Nazeer Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, attended a programme at KVK Dooru, Anantnag where he distributed Soil Health Cards to the farmers.Speaking on the occasion, VC highlighted the importance of soil for better production and productivity and emphasized that we need healthy soils to achieve our food security and nutrition goals, to fight climate change and to ensure overall sustainable development. He also said that such a delivery from soils in terms of productivity of crops is only possible if we give due consideration to the improvement and maintenance of the health of the soils. He advised the farmers to have a regular monitoring of soils through different KVKs of the University.
Prof. Nazeer further advised farmers to adhere to the scientific interventions in their fields and take advantage of the Farm Science Centers established in every district of the State stressing that these centers are created with an aim to cater to the requirements of the farmers in terms of income generations and skill development for unemployed youth and vocational training to girls .He advised farmers to seek proper guidance from the scientists of all disciplines of agricultural sciences in these KVKs.Earlier on the day, Vice-Chancellor visited Mountain Field Crop Research Station at Khudwani, Kulgam a premier rice research station of the university. He took stock of the research activities of land races including local Kashmiri traditional varieties. Associate Director Research Dr. G.A. Parray gave first hand information about the different varieties of rice, rapeseed-Mustard and wheat being grown in the station.Vice-Chancellor also took round of the laboratories and interacted with the scientists. He also met the non-teaching staff of the Station and heard their concerns which were highlighted by them.