GANDERBAL: The 21st Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganderbal, was convened today with high enthusiasm and broad stakeholder participation.
The event was notably marked by the inauguration of a series of agricultural and allied infrastructure units by Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Ganie, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar.
Delivering a keynote, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Ganie lauded the KVK Ganderbal team for their exemplary work, proudly declaring it the number one KVK in Kashmir Valley. He further emphasized its immense potential to ascend to the top position among all KVKs in India and highlighted the role of KVKs as dynamic institutions bridging the gap between scientific research and field application.
He also engaged with progressive farmers present at the event, soliciting their feedback to better tailor future interventions and emphasized the importance of educating our youth about agricultural innovation and the value addition of agricultural products by applying scientific methods.
He stressed the need to guide youth on how to adopt innovative agricultural practices and enhance the agricultural products through proper scientific approaches.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, addressed the gathering and emphasized the critical role of such platforms in promoting farmer awareness, skill development, and adaptive research. She reiterated the University’s commitment to uplift the farming community of Kashmir through sustainable, science-driven solutions.
Earlier, the programme began with a detailed overview by Dr. Suja Nabi Qurashi, Senior Scientist (Horticulture), outlining the day’s agenda and key developments at the Kendra.
Dr. Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal, presented the Action Taken Report (ATR), Annual Progress Report (APR), and the Annual Action Plan for the forthcoming year.
In a significant milestone for the center, the Vice Chancellor inaugurated several newly established demonstration and research units at the KVK premises, including Entrance Signage, High-Density Cherry Block, First Harvest at Fish Unit, Rootstock Bank, Gul-e-Kashmir – A Bloom Lab, Vegetable Block, Goat Rearing Unit, Molecular Diagnostic Lab and Soil Testing Lab.
These units have been set up to strengthen the practical training ecosystem of KVK Ganderbal, offering region-specific innovations and technology demonstrations aimed at empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Farooq Ahmed Ahangar, Scientist (Plant Protection), who acknowledged the contributions of all participants and reaffirmed the Kendra’s dedication to agricultural innovation, farmer welfare, and collaborative growth.