OCT 16:In a significant step towards strengthening agricultural education and research in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Javid Dar today laid the foundation stones for a Medical Centre, a Speed Breeding Laboratory, and a Gene Bank at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Wadura campus.
The newly envisioned facilities are expected to transform the region’s agricultural landscape. The Medical Centre will cater to the health and welfare of students, faculty, and farmers visiting the campus, while the Speed Breeding Lab will fast-track the development of climate-resilient and high-yield crop varieties. The Gene Bank will serve as a crucial repository for preserving valuable plant genetic resources, ensuring biodiversity conservation and long-term food security.
Minister Dar also inaugurated an Agricultural Exhibition and HVC Sports Week, which showcased cutting-edge research innovations, farming tools, and technologies developed by SKUAST-K scientists. As part of the day’s events, the Minister sowed Rabi crops, symbolizing the onset of the winter cropping season and reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Addressing the gathering of researchers, students, and farmers, Javid Dar lauded SKUAST-K’s contributions in advancing agricultural education, innovation, and rural development. He emphasized that the future of agriculture lies in the adoption of technology, scientific research, and data-driven practices. Calling upon farmers to embrace modern techniques such as precision farming, protected cultivation, and organic production, he assured continued government support for research-led growth in the agri sector.
Highlighting the role of youth and academia in shaping the future of agriculture, the Minister noted that agricultural universities must become innovation hubs that link laboratories to farms. The initiatives launched today mark a transformative phase for SKUAST-K, strengthening its mission to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and build a resilient agricultural ecosystem in Kashmir.
