Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today attended One-Day Awareness-cum-Exhibition Programme at Wadura Campus of SKUAST-Kashmir on strengthening agricultural education, research and farmer outreach.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister highlighted that the Campus is a premier and precious institute in this region. He said that Wadura campus has created various success stories in agriculture, horticulture and others allied sectors.

The Minister emphasized upon the University administration to focus on enhancing the infrastructure and introduce new streams in this Campus so that farmers are benefitted. The Minister further stated that the government is committed to provide all support to strengthen this Institute.

The Minister appealed the farmers to interact regularly with scientists of this Campus for gaining knowledge about new technologies and scientific methods used during the farming.

  Minister lauded the Faculty’s remarkable contributions to agricultural education, research, and extension. He emphasized SKUAST-K’s pivotal role in driving technological innovation, nurturing skilled human resources, and uplifting the farming community, all of which, he noted, are essential for the socio-economic advancement of Jammu & Kashmir.

On the sidelines of the programme, the Minister laid the foundation stones of several important facilities including the Medical Centre, Speed Breeding Lab, and Gene Bank. He also inaugurated the Exhibition, HVC Sports Week.

 He also inaugurated a series of landmark initiatives aimed at bolstering scientific research, student welfare, and innovation-driven farming practices. Marking the formal commencement of the Rabi season, the Minister ceremoniously initiated the sowing of Rabi crops including Brown Sarson, Oats, and Kala Zeera.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor, in his remarks, highlighted SKUAST-K’s commitment to translational research and academic excellence, underscoring the University’s vision to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level impact.

Earlier, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, in his welcome address briefed the audience on the notable achievements of the Faculty.

Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, in her address, emphasized the importance of a strong extension network for holistic rural development, while Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, highlighted key research milestones and ongoing scientific pursuits of the institution.

Registrar, Professor Azmat Alam Khan; Director Strategies Planning, Dr Haroon Rashid Naik; Conservator Forest, North Kashmir Irfan Ali Shah and officers from various line departments, faculty members, and students were also present on the occasion.

The Minister also released several publications, booklets, and pamphlets documenting the University’s recent innovations and outreach efforts during the programme.

On the occasion, the Minister also visited various exhibition stalls set up by different divisions of the Faculty, where student start-ups and innovators showcased new technologies, research outcomes, and extension activities designed to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.