BANDIPORA, AUGUST 14: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, organized a Demonstration-cum-Exposure Visit for more than 25 members of Sheikh-ul-Alam Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), Ganderbal.
The programme aimed to provide practical exposure to modern agricultural technologies, diversified farming enterprises and income-generating activities, with a focus on strengthening FPO-led entrepreneurship and enhancing farmers’ revenue.
The visiting FPO members were given an extensive practical exposure to various demonstrations and farm-based enterprises established at KVK Bandipora-1. Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Bandipora-1, interacted with the participants and delivered a detailed technical session on opportunities for increasing farm income through crop diversification, value addition, collective input procurement, aggregation, market linkages and development of FPO-managed business activities.
During the programme, Head, KVK Bandipora-1, explained various technologies and practices through field-based demonstrations and highlighted the importance of converting available farm resources into commercially viable enterprises. The participants were encouraged to adopt integrated and diversified farming systems according to local resources, market demand and economic feasibility.
The participants visited the Lotus Demonstration Plot at KVK Bandipora-1, where they were briefed about its cultivation, management and economic potential. They also visited the Makhana demonstration, a new initiative of KVK Bandipora-1, and were apprised of the potential of Makhana cultivation and other aquatic crops for diversification, wetland utilization and additional income generation.
The FPO members further visited the Apple Nursery, Walnut Nursery and Walnut Block, where they received practical information on nursery management, quality planting material, orchard establishment and improved production practices. The participants also visited the polyhouse facilities and were briefed about protected cultivation, efficient use of resources, crop diversification and the potential of protected cultivation for generating higher returns.
Scientist, Vegetable Science, KVK Bandipora-1, interacted with the participants and provided technical guidance on vegetable production, protected cultivation, crop management and diversification. He highlighted the scope for integrating high-value vegetable enterprises with FPO activities to improve productivity, marketability and farm income.
The programme provided the FPO members with an opportunity for direct interaction with the scientists and practical observation of ongoing demonstrations at KVK Bandipora-1. Discussions focused on identifying suitable technologies and enterprise models that can be replicated by FPO members in Ganderbal for enhancing productivity, reducing production constraints, improving value addition and strengthening market linkages.
The visiting FPO members appreciated the practical demonstrations and initiatives undertaken by KVK Bandipora-1. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening farmer-led enterprises, promoting technology adoption and facilitating knowledge exchange between KVK Bandipora-1 and Farmer Producer Organizations for sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods.
