BHADERWAH, OCTOBER 30: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) today inaugurated a two-day National Seminar themed “Heritage to Enterprises: Unlocking the Potential of Niche Crops in Jammu and Kashmir” here at Bhaderwah Campus of the University of Jammu.
The seminar is being organised under HADP Project No. 02, with the broader theme of “Advancing Production, Value Addition and Market Linkages for Sustainable Hill Prosperity.”
The seminar aims to explore scientific, technological and entrepreneurial opportunities for strengthening the niche-crop sector and improving the livelihoods of farming communities in the hill regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural session was graced by MLA Bhaderwah Daleep Singh Parihar as the Chief Guest, while Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal, attended as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Anil Kumar, Dean-cum-Registrar, SKUAST-Jammu; Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Director, Student Welfare and Kewal Kumar Raina were also present on the occasion.
The seminar brought together scientists, academicians, researchers and other stakeholders to deliberate on the immense potential of the region’s distinctive niche crops, including saffron, Kalazeera, Anardana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, hill garlic and pecan nut. The deliberations focused on strengthening collaboration among agricultural universities, research institutions, government departments, farmers and entrepreneurs to transform traditional crops into commercially viable enterprises.
The chief guest emphasised the importance of harnessing the agricultural strengths of Bhaderwah and adjoining hill areas to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers. He highlighted the significance of connecting agricultural research with farmers’ requirements and promoting enterprise-oriented approaches suited to the region’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
The DC stressed the need to unlock the full potential of the district’s unique niche crops. He highlighted Doda’s diverse forest resources and specialised agricultural land, noting the potential of crops and products such as Anardana, Olive, Gucchi, Apple and Bhaderwah Rajmash in strengthening the local economy and generating livelihood opportunities.
Prof. Anil Kumar highlighted the importance of Bhaderwah in promoting, preserving and enhancing the quality of niche crops of the Jammu region. He stressed the need to encourage scientific cultivation practices and value addition to strengthen the agricultural identity of the region.
Director, Student Welfare Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi highlighted the major bottlenecks affecting the production and promotion of niche crops in India and abroad. He emphasised the importance of proper branding, value addition and effective marketing strategies to establish these speciality crops in national and international markets.
The technical deliberations focused on addressing key challenges in the niche-crop sector, including the availability of improved varieties and quality planting material, scientific crop management, post-harvest handling, processing, branding and organised marketing. The initiative also seeks to integrate indigenous agricultural knowledge with modern scientific practices to promote sustainable farming, conserve traditional crop heritage and diversify rural incomes.
A significant highlight of the inaugural session was the release of two publications, namely “Packages of Practices of Hill Garlic” and “Good Agricultural Practices on Pecan Nut.” The publications are aimed at disseminating scientific knowledge and guiding farmers towards improved cultivation practices.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Vishal Gupta, Coordinator of the project.
