4th SAC Meeting: KVK Gurez highlights Achievements, Charts future plans for socio economic development of Dard Tribe

Gurez, Sept 27: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez conducted its 4th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai.

          During the SAC meeting, hosts highlighted the acheivements and discussed the future plans for socio economic development of the Dard Tribe in Gurez Valley.

           Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, attended as Member Secretary. The meeting witnessed active participation from district and sectoral heads of agriculture and allied departments, representatives of the lead bank, scientists from SKUAST-K, heads of KVKs Pulwama and Shopian, progressive farmers, farm women, entrepreneurs, NRLM and SHG members, along with the scientific staff of Gurez including Dr. Jauhar Rafeeq, Dr. Riyaz Ahmad, Dr. Shahida, and Dr. Rafiq Ahmad. KVK Gurez also co-hosted the 19th SAC meeting of KVK Bandipora-I (Patushai).

At the outset, Head KVK/MAR&ES Gurez, Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, presented the progress report for 2024-25 and the annual action plan for 2025-26.

He highlighted action taken reports, achievements, and proposed extension and research activities. Head KVK Bandipora-I, Dr. Tariq Sultan, also presented the progress of his Kendra.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ganai praised KVK Gurez for its efforts in conserving and reviving niche crops like Kala Zeera, Buckwheat, Potato, and Rajmash. He emphasised the importance of an Extension-based Research System (ERS) to boost production, productivity, and profitability while improving the quality of life of tribal farmers. He urged the promotion of organic farming and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth stressed the need for greater synergy between KVKs and development departments to ensure wider adoption of technologies and cluster-based impacts. The unveiling of SKUAST-K’s NIRF ranking and a documentary prepared by KVK Gurez made a strong impression on the audience. Extension literature covering various thematic areas was also released. Feedback from district and sectoral heads was noted for future action.

Alongside the SAC meetings, KVK Gurez organised multiple interaction-cum-input distribution programmes under TSP-ICAR at Koragbal, Dawar, and Izmarg. Member Legislative Assembly, Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, attended as Chief Guest and lauded the Kendra’s efforts.

During the programme, five units of genetically improved Gurezi sheep, developed by SKUAST-K under an ICAR-sponsored project, were distributed among tribal farmers at Baduaab Tulail.

Farmers expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, KVK scientists, and organisers, acknowledging the role of KVK Gurez in improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the tribal belt.