SKUAST-K, CPRI join hands to strengthen Potato cultivation in Gurez

BANDIPORA: Working under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and instrumental support by the Director Extension-cum-Dean Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, the varsity is moving ahead to revitalize further the potato seed production system across Gurez valley. 

In this endeavour, the Division of Vegetable Science (FoH) in collaboration with KVK / MAR&ES Gurez today organized a mega Farmers awareness-cum-training programme at village Zedgay Tulail valley under ICAR- Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato (AICRP on Potato) sponsored by ICAR –Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) Jalender. 

The programme was attended by the Head CPRI Jalender, Head / Scientist, KVK ,  MAR&ES Gurez, Scientists from Division of Vegetable Science (FoH), besides large number of tribal farmers /farm-women. 

Speaking on the occasion, Head CPRI Jalender, Prof Anil Sharma informed that Gurez was the most favourable place for growing quality potato under natural and organic pursuits and that CPRI shall provide all support for overall development of economically important and heritage crop of Gurez valley. 

Extending gratitude to Prof. & Head Division of Vegetable Science, the Principal Investigator ACRIP on Potato Prof. Faheema Mushtaq in her message highlighted the initiatives taken by the University for promotion of potato and to develop the area as Seed hub on participatory basis.

Referring to the recent developments done at Badugam and Neera villages of Tulail valley, she informed that in the backdrop of significant results, the efforts are on to bring other areas of Gurez under the ambit of seed production system to reduce the dependency on imports. Today’s programme at zedgay Tulail was a postscript to the efforts in place for the purpose, she informed.

In this endeavour, a one-day awareness -cum- training programme was conducted wherein the beneficiaries were given free of cost quality Potato seeds for sowing under scientific standards. 

Block Development Officer (BDO) Gurez, Dr Iftekhar also spoke on the occasion and urged farmers to take full advantage of potential technologies generated by SKUAST-Kashmir. 

Meanwhile the efforts of KVK / MAR&ES Gurez for enhancing the livelihood security, income generation and attempt for changing the quality of life through rival of heritage crops besides introduction of novel technologies across Gurez valley were highly acknowledge and appreciated. The beneficiaries extended sincere thanks to organizers for conduct of such an important training programme besides distribution of quality inputs.