Ganderbal, Nov 9: The Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), SKUAST-Kashmir, Rangreth, organised a one-day capacity-building and seed distribution programme at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganderbal, to strengthen food, fodder and nutritional security in Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme was held under HADP Project No. 1 (Development of Seed Chain) under the theme “A Step Towards Ensuring Food, Fodder and Nutritional Security in J&K” and witnessed the participation of over 100 farmers from Nagbal and Behama.
As part of the initiative, farmers were provided free seeds of SFO-1, a released fodder oats variety developed by SKUAST-Kashmir, to strengthen local seed systems and address the region's fodder shortage.
Dr. M. Ashraf Bhat, Associate Director Research, DARS, Rangreth, and Principal Investigator of the project, coordinated the programme along with Dr. Mehfuza Habib and Dr. Sabina Naseer.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sabina Naseer highlighted the importance of improved fodder varieties in addressing Jammu and Kashmir's estimated 40–45 per cent fodder deficit. She said the shortage of green fodder, particularly during winter, remained a major constraint to livestock productivity.
Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Malik, Programme Coordinator, KVK Srinagar, stressed the importance of quality seeds in improving fodder production and livestock nutrition. He highlighted the potential of SFO-1 and called for adopting improved farming practices, ensuring timely seed availability and strengthening farmer-oriented extension services.
Dr. Mehfuza Habib sensitised farmers about the suitability of oats to the region's temperate agro-climatic conditions. She highlighted its high biomass production, nutritional value and suitability for green fodder, hay and silage, making it an important crop for ensuring year-round livestock feed availability.
The programme provided farmers with technical guidance and access to quality fodder seeds. The initiative is expected to help reduce the fodder deficit, improve livestock nutrition and strengthen agricultural sustainability in the region.