Shadow Correspondent
jammu NOV 26
Sher-e-Kashmir Unive rsity of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) -Jammu organized Zonal Research and Extension Advisory Committee (ZREAC) meeting for Rabi season with respect to Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture and Command Area Development under the Chairmanship of Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu.
In his remarks, Prof. Sharma highlighted the importance of coordination between line departments and University scientists to achieve the aim of doubling the farmers’ income. During the deliberations, Vice Chancellor announced the launch of VC to village programme wherein Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu shall visit village Panchayats along with university scientists for having regular interactions with farmers for providing on-spot solution to the problems faced by the farmers.
The Vice Chancellor suggested departments to promote University released varieties which have potential to realize greater economic returns for farmers of Jammu region.
Prof. Sharma also announced the constitution of a task force comprising of University scientists for meeting out the farming emergencies on farmers’ fields.
Informing about the finalization of package of practices for Kharif and Rabi, The Vice Chancellor desired to develop technology package containing post-harvest and processing. He advised the departments to provide feedback for potential farm products grown in Jammu region for developing location specific technologies in this aspect.
While presenting the formal vote of thanks, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension highlighted the rationale behind organization of ZREAC meeting. He further endorsed the cooperation of line departments in planning and organizing collaborative programmes for farmers at village level.
Dr. R.K. Gupta, Director Research presented the overview of the research activities of SKUAST-Jammu and discussed the potential varieties and technologies.
Director Horticulture, Jammu Ram Savak prioritized popularization of Raj Harad in Jammu and submitted issues related to evaluation of exotic cultivars of dragon fruit, recommendations for increasing the success rate of walnut/pecan nut grafting under controlled and field conditions, nutrient requirement for high productivity of sub-tropical fruits and high density Guava/mango orchards.
The major issues raised by Joint Director (Extension), Jammu, B.K. Chandan, included management of grasshopper, yellow rust in wheat, application of micro nutrients standardization of wheat-potato/summer peas in Chenab valley districts, and improvement of awnless wheat varieties. Sh. Sunil Singh, Floriculture Officer highlighted the issues related to value addition of marigold, micro-irrigation techniques, automation in poly houses and introduction of exotic plants like Zantedeschia, Anthurium, Heliconia, caladiums, orchids etc.
The representative of Command Area Development raised issues related to modernization of irrigation and drainage system, low cost modern design for drip and sprinkler irrigation, promotion of pulses, ginger, turmeric, Ajwain, Coriander and Fennel and in kandi belt and reclamation of soils in Ramgarh area of Samba district affected by DevakNallah.
Additional Director, Sericulture, R.L. Bhagat, represented department of Sericulture and discussed the issue of new silk worm races.
Dr. A.K. Sharma, Associate Director Extension carried out the proceedings of the programme and presented formal vote of thanks.
Among other members, Dr. Rajesh Talwar, Comptroller & Registrar, Dr. Deepak Kher, Director, Planning & Monitoring, Dr. D.P. Abrol, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. MS Bhadwal, Dean, Faculty of FVSc. & AH, Dr. SEH Rizvi, Dean Faculty of Basic Sciences, Heads of Divisions of Faculty of Agriculture, Senior Scientist and Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Scientists Incharge Stations, Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), Deputy Director (Central) Horticulture, Chief Agriculture Officers, Chief Horticulture officers as well as other district officers from Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, Sericulture and CAD were present in the meeting.
During the technical session, action taken by the University during the ZREAC Rabi meeting 2019 was discussed and queries raised by the line departments were answered by the scientists. Dr. A.K. Sharma, Associate Director Extension and presented the formal vote of thanks.
