SKUAST- Kashmir in collaboration with KVK, District Administration Shopian today organized a Mega Fruit/ Kisan Mela at Old Fruit Mandi, Shopian. Farmers, rural youth and young entrepreneurs from different villages of South Kashmir districts participated in the event along with students and officials.
Stalls were installed by the KVKs of South Kashmir districts, line departments, Self Help Groups, progressive farmers, FPOs, NGOs, and young entrepreneurs showcasing achievements, latest technologies and products in agriculture and allied sectors.
Farmer-Scientist interaction was held during which experts from KVK and line departments discussed the initiatives of the government and University in the direction of introduction of new technologies and practices in the sector.
Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Kumar Vaishya said that the true essence and purpose of the Mela was the showcasing of latest technologies and best farm practices besides facilitating farmer, scientist interaction so that these technologies and practices are transferred to the farmers for their economic betterment.
He especially emphasised upon farmers to learn and practice organic and integrated farming.Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir,Director Horticulture Kashmir G.R.Mir and Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir Professor Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi highlighted the need for intensified transfer of better technologies, farm practices besides skill development of rural youth in the district.
Stress was also given upon the need to adopt Natural Farming principles and practices.Adnan Khan, Progressive Farmer while speaking stressed for better coordination and cooperation with all concerned in creating more StartUps in the agriculture and allied sectors along with the need to make value addition, processing in the horticulture sector.
Speakers also appreciated young entrepreneurs for their dedication and hardwork while impressing upon cohesive and result oriented efforts from all the line departments, University and KVKs for enhancing the income of farmers.
Officers of the line departments of Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam viz., Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Subject Matter Specialists and officers of line departments of district Shopian also participated and interacted with the participants.DDC member, Shopian, Raja Waheed also participated in the event.