SEP 03: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar visited the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC) at Khudwani, under SKUAST-Kashmir, and participated in the Live Exhibition on Temperate Rice Biodiversity. The event showcased the region’s rich rice diversity and highlighted ongoing efforts in crop research and seed development.
During his visit, the Principal Secretary took a detailed review of the centre’s eight-decade legacy in advancing research on rice and other field crops. He acknowledged MRCFC’s significant contributions in seed production, germplasm conservation, and sustainable farming practices.
Highlighting the need for demand-driven and development-oriented research, Shailendra Kumar emphasized the urgency of expanding oilseed cultivation to 3 lakh hectares across Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged scientists and field experts to promote climate-resilient and modern technologies among farmers to enhance productivity and income.
He also commended MRCFC for serving as the national nodal centre for rice blast screening, a vital role in disease resistance research. Assuring full administrative and financial backing, the Principal Secretary stressed the importance of strengthening research, innovation, and farmer outreach initiatives.
Kumar urged the agricultural fraternity to remain aligned with ground-level needs and to ensure that scientific breakthroughs translate effectively into field-level practices. He reiterated the department’s commitment to promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture through collaboration with institutions like SKUAST-K.
His visit marks a significant step towards bolstering research-led agriculture and ensuring food security in the region.
