20th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of KVK Bandipora-1 held

 20th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of KVK Bandipora-1 held

Bandipora, September 5: The 20th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, SKUAST-Kashmir, was held today at KVK Bandipora-1 under the chairmanship of Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir. 

Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib attended the meeting as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, graced the occasion and participated in the deliberations of the SAC meeting. 

In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora-1 in implementing farmer-oriented extension programmes and emphasized the need for strengthening technology dissemination, promoting innovative and climate-resilient agricultural practices, and focusing on interventions aimed at enhancing farm income and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora-1 in promoting agricultural development in the district. She particularly appreciated the KVK’s initiatives in aquatic crop cultivation, including Lotus, Water Chestnut and Makhana, and highlighted their potential for agricultural diversification and productive utilization of available water resources. She emphasized continued coordination between KVK Bandipora-1 and the district administration for strengthening farmer-oriented initiatives.

Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, emphasized the importance of need-based extension programmes, field demonstrations, capacity building and effective farmer–scientist interaction. She stressed the need for aligning the activities of KVK Bandipora-1 with the emerging technological and production requirements of the farming community.

Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Bandipora-1, highlighted the proposed thrust areas, including crop diversification, aquatic agriculture, horticulture, protected cultivation, value addition, technology demonstrations, farmer training and capacity building. He also apprised the Committee of the ongoing initiatives and proposed programmes of the KVK.

Earlier, a presentation on the Annual Progress Report 2025–26, highlighting the major activities and achievements of KVK Bandipora-1 during the year was presented. This was followed by the presentation of the Action Plan by Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Bandipora-1, outlining the proposed programmes and priority areas for the forthcoming period.

The progressive farmers participating in the meeting shared their field-level experiences, observations and suggestions regarding agricultural production and emerging challenges in the district. Their inputs were considered during the discussions on future extension priorities and interventions of KVK Bandipora-1.

The SAC members held detailed deliberations on the Annual Progress Report and Action Plan and offered valuable suggestions for further strengthening the activities of KVK Bandipora-1.

The meeting concluded with a focus on strengthening farmer-centric extension, promoting innovative agricultural technologies and addressing the priority needs of the farming community of District Bandipora.