VC SKUAST-Jammu chairs ZREAC meeting for Rabi season

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) -Jammu on Thursday organized Zonal Research and Extension Advisory Committee (ZREAC) meeting for Rabi season with respect to Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture and Command Area Development under the Chairmanship of Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu.
In his remarks, Prof. Sharma highlighted the importance of coordination between line departments and University scientists to achieve the aim of doubling the farmers’ income. During the deliberations, Vice Chancellor announced the launch of VC to village programme wherein Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu shall visit village Panchayats along with university scientists for having regular interactions with farmers for providing on-spot solution to the problems faced by the farmers.
The Vice Chancellor suggested departments to promote University released varieties which have potential to realize greater economic returns for farmers of Jammu region.
Prof. Sharma also announced the constitution of a task force comprising University scientists for meeting out the farming emergencies on farmers’ fields. Informing about the finalization of the package of practices for Kharif and Rabi, The Vice Chancellor desired to develop technology package containing post-harvest and processing. He advised the departments to provide feedback for potential farm products grown in Jammu region for developing location specific technologies in this aspect.
While presenting the formal vote of thanks, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension highlighted the rationale behind organization of ZREAC meeting. He further endorsed the cooperation of line departments in planning and organizing collaborative programmes for farmers at village level.
Dr. R.K. Gupta, Director Research presented the overview of the research activities of SKUAST-Jammu and discussed the potential varieties and technologies. Director Horticulture, Jammu Ram Savak prioritized popularization of Raj Harad in Jammu and submitted issues related to evaluation of exotic cultivars of dragon fruit, recommendations for increasing the success rate of walnut/pecan nut grafting under controlled and field conditions, nutrient requirement for high productivity of sub-tropical fruits and high density Guava/mango orchards.
The major issues raised by Joint Director (Extension), Jammu, B.K. Chandan, included management of grasshopper, yellow rust in wheat, application of micro nutrients standardization of wheat-potato/summer peas in Chenab valley districts, and improvement of awnless wheat varieties. Sh. Sunil Singh, Floriculture Officer highlighted the issues related to value addition of marigold, micro-irrigation techniques, automation in poly houses and introduction of exotic plants like Zantedeschia, Anthurium, Heliconia, caladiums, orchids etc.