Bandipora : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K), organised a technology demonstration on scientific cultivation of aquatic crops at its demonstration farm to promote aquatic plant development and livelihood opportunities through wetland-based agriculture in Kashmir.
The demonstration focused on high-potential aquatic crops including Gorgon Nut (Makhana/Fox Nut), Water Chestnut, and Lotus, which offer strong potential for agricultural diversification, income enhancement, and sustainable utilization of water-rich ecosystems around Wular Lake.
The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who emphasized promoting aquatic crops as a strategic intervention for diversification of farming systems and enhancement of farmers’ income.
The Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, supported the initiative and emphasized effective technology dissemination, farmer capacity building, and integration of aquatic crops for sustainable livelihoods. She also envisaged developing KVK Bandipora-1 as a Centre of Excellence for aquatic plant development.
The programme gained added significance following the MoU signed in October between SKUAST Kashmir and ICAR–National Research Centre for Makhana (ICAR-NRCM), Darbhanga, aimed at strengthening collaborative research and development in aquatic crops.
Principal Scientist, ICAR-NRCM, Darbhanga, Prof. Indu Shekhar Singh, conducted live field-based demonstrations on scientific cultivation practices of makhana and water chestnut under local agro-ecological conditions, highlighting their economic viability in Kashmir’s wetlands.
Chief Scientist, AICRP, Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain, highlighted the importance of post-harvest management and value addition to enhance profitability from aquatic crops.
Head, KVK Bandipora-1, Dr. Tariq Sultan, informed that lotus cultivation has been successfully established at the KVK demonstration farm with high production under organic conditions, strengthening prospects for expansion of aquatic crops.
KVK scientists Dr. Tahir Saleem and Shabnum Mumtaz shared technical inputs during interactive sessions. Scientists, staff, and farmers from different parts of the district actively participated.
The initiative marks the first organised scientific demonstration of aquatic crop cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir and represents a significant step towards promoting wetland-based agriculture in the region.
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