SHOPIAN: In a stride towards agricultural empowerment of tribal communities, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian conducted One day mega outreach programme in collaboration with NSP SKUAST-K under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) – AICRP on Seeds (Crops) here at Shopian today.
The initiative marked the formal introduction of SKUAST-K’s most novel oats variety ‘Shalimar Fodder Oats-1 (SFO-1) to the tribal farmers of Shopian District, ensuring that the benefits of latest agri-technology reached across the district.
A record 30 quintals of SFO-1 seed, coupled with the scientific package of practices, were distributed among more than 150 tribal farmers, covering over 30 hectares (600 kanals) of land across the district.
The event drew wide appreciation for bringing cutting-edge research directly to the doorstep of the most remote farming communities.
Addressing the gathering, Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth appreciated the role of KVK Shopian and advised the farmers to go for horizontal area expansion of this novel variety which is highly productive in terms of seed and fodder.
She emphasized that the green fodder can be used as per the requirement and rest of the fodder can be converted into more palatable ways like Silage preparation, green fodder, green and dry etc. and the seed shall be procured at reasonable costs from the farmers if interested on buy back policy by the University.
Principal Investigator NSP (Seeds), SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Gowhar Ali, highlighted that Shalimar Fodder Oats-1 (SFO-1) represents the university’s latest innovation, a bio- fortified, disease-resistant and high-yielding variety significantly enhancing nutritional and economic security.
Speaking on the occasion, Head KVK Shopian, Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri reiterated SKUAST-K’s commitment to preserving traditional crops while introducing University Released Varieties (URVs) to improve livelihood opportunities under natural and organic farming systems. He added that the impact assessment and monitoring of the technology adoption will continue to ensure long-term benefits for the tribal farming community.
The participating farmers expressed heartfelt gratitude to SKUAST-Kashmir and KVK Shopian for bridging the technology gap and bringing sustainable agricultural solutions to the farmers of District Shopian.