Srinagar, March 6 (KNS): Governor NN Vohra on Sunday called for an effective transfer of technology from labs to farms for the overall development of agriculture sector in the state.
The Governor reviewed the working of Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences (SKUAST) Shalimar. He urged the researchers to optimally utilize all the existing resources at the disposal of the University for Speedy Development of agriculture and its allied sectors.
The Governor advised the university to play a significant role in the propagation of high quality seeds and plant materials. The Governor observed that all available resources and expertise should be optimally utilized for producing quality seeds of various crops and action taken to ensure their timely supply to the farmers.
While reviewing working of research institutes at the university and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Governor stressed optimum utilization of its facilities to ensure effective transfer of technology from labs to farms for the benefit of the farmers.
The Governor advised the Vice-Chancellor and concerned officials to set up a mechanism for the qualitative assessment of research projects and stressed that the University should give a boost to extension activities and organizes a large number of Kissan Melas and other related activities through the year. He also urged the officials to see that the achievements and success stories of progressive farmers are well publicized and also published in vernacular languages.
The Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, informed the governor that nine externally funded projects and five TSP projects got sanctioned during last six months by different funding agencies with a total outlay of Rs. 481 lakhs. He said Further three more projects were submitted to APD under Prime Ministers Package for Rs. 399.95 lakhs. “Efforts to develop new and improved varieties of different crops have been upscaled and following varieties have been developed for release in the state.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTwo varieties- one for plains and one for high altitude, Specialty Rice 6 varieties- two Basmati types, three local varieties and one exotic japonica type Pulses 3 varieties- masoor, rajmash and chickpea,” he said.
The governor was informed that the varieties are Shalimar Masoor-3, Shalimar Rajmash-2 and Shalimar Chickpea-1. They said these varieties have yield advantage varying from 17.84 to 33.70% from existing varieties, resistant to wilt, rust and ascochyta blight with added advantage of high protein content. On the Research Initiatives, the governor was informed that research efforts are in progress to identify suitable varieties of rice and wheat for double cropping. The governor was informed that blast resistance genes have been successfully incorporated in local landrace Mushkbudji through Marker Assisted Selection. They said that hybrid strain of Summer White Mushroom tolerant to high temperature has been identified for growing in the valley.
“Revival of Apple Ambri, Kashmiri Chilli, spice vegetables and local rice varieties (Mushkbudji, Kamad and Zag) has been intensified SRI technology is being initiated for improving productivity of rice through demonstrations in different blocks of the valley,” they said. “A new technology on automatic Corcyra rearing system designed for increased mass production of biological control agents, “they added.
The meeting was attended by advisor to Governor Khurshid Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Vice-Chancellor Kashmir University, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J, Commissioner Secretary Agriculture, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other officials. (KNS)