Bandipora, May 20: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) organised a mega farmers’ awareness-cum-training programme at Zedgay Tulail in Gurez Valley on Tuesday.
An official spokesperson said the programme aimed at revitalising the potato seed production system in Gurez Valley. The programme was organised by the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture SKUAST-K, in collaboration with KVK/MAR&ES Gurez under the ICAR-Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Potato sponsored by ICAR-CPRI Jalandhar.
The programme was attended by Head CPRI Jalandhar Prof. Anil Sharma, scientists from KVK and MAR&ES Gurez, experts from the Division of Vegetable Science, and a large number of tribal farmers and farm women from the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anil Sharma said that Gurez Valley is one of the most suitable regions for cultivation of quality potatoes under natural and organic conditions and assured full support from CPRI for the development of potato cultivation as an economically important and heritage crop of the valley.
Prof. Faheema Mushtaq, Principal Investigator AICRP on Potato and Head of the Division of Vegetable Science, highlighted the efforts undertaken by SKUAST-K for promotion of potato cultivation and development of Gurez as a seed hub on a participatory basis.
She referred to recent developments in Badugam and Neera villages of Tulail Valley and said the encouraging results had prompted efforts to expand the seed production system to other parts of Gurez in order to reduce dependency on imported potato seed.
As part of the programme, farmers were provided free quality potato seed and trained in scientific cultivation practices and seed production standards.
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