Javed Dar inaugurates 3 day mega AgriTech mela Gongul-2025 at SKUAST-K

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Department, Javed Ahmed Dar, today inaugurated GONGUL 2025, the 10th SKUAST-K AgriTech mela, a three-day mega event showcasing cutting-edge agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices and entrepreneurial opportunities in the agriculture sector at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.

This year’s mela is special as it emphasises secondary and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the objectives of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). With a greater focus on value addition, climate resilience and agri-entrepreneurship, the event brings together policymakers, industry leaders and farmers to shape the future of agriculture in J&K.

The mela has more than 400 stalls exhibiting the latest farm machinery, precision agriculture, sale of seeds and planting material besides farm animals and birds. The mela for the first time organised a pet animal show in which pet dogs and cats displayed their training skills. Besides, the event is also featuring the majestic horses.

The Minister lauded SKUAST-K for choosing ‘Gongul’ as the name for AgriTech mela, which connects the next generation with rich Kashmiri culture. He narrated the childhood activities linked with Gongul (onset of sowing) in Kashmir and evolution of tech-driven farming in the valley. He emphasised the need for preserving the Kashmiri culture, known globally for its cuisine, literature, architecture and rich traditions.

While hailing the HADP, he said the initiative is going to change the fortunes of the people of J&K. The Minister  assured full support of the J&K Government to SKUAST-K in leading the transformation of agriculture landscape of the region. He also ensured strict law enforcement for checking the trade of spurious agrochemicals.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, said the Gongul-2025 reflects the achievements and aspirations of J&K’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program. He said SKUAST-K has envisioned J&K as a model bioeconomy for Viksit Bharat through futuristic innovation-led farming. He thanked the J&K Government for generous support to the university initiatives.

Member Legislative Assembly for Kreeri Constituency, Irfan Hafiz Lone, while appreciating SKUAST-K in empowering J&K farmers, policy formulation and law enforcement for preserving the fast-shrinking agriculture land and promoting export potential of local produce. MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, stressed on implementation of the existing laws for saving the natural resources. He lauded the role of the scientists towards welfare and empowerment of farmers.

Chairman, Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, Ashok Dalwai, said J&K has a crucial role to play in accomplishing the country’s targets set under Vision 2047. He said it is important to educate rest of the country about J&K’s agri-transformation journey under HADP.

This year’s edition is structured around several key subthemes, each offering unique insights into different aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture. The Brand Bizz Fest facilitated networking between MNCs, FPOs, SHGs and industry leaders, while the Food Fest celebrated diverse cuisines crafted by student startups and local food entrepreneurs. The Startup and Tech Show highlighted groundbreaking agricultural innovations and the Industry Exhibition showcases cutting-edge machinery and advanced farming technologies.

Gongul-2025 also emphasised sustainable farming through the Organic and Natural Farming Show, focusing on bio-inputs, and the Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Show, exploring Himalayan herbal treasures. The Processed Products Show exhibited value-added and diversified farm products. Additionally, the Seed Show and Planting Material Show provided premium quality seeds and plants for the farmers and gardening enthusiasts.