SKUAST-K Organizes Mega Outreach Programme to Boost Vegetable Cultivation and Seed Production in Tribal Areas of Kupwara

In a major initiative aimed at transforming agriculture in remote tribal belts, the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-Kashmir successfully conducted a Mega Outreach Programme focused on the promotion of vegetable cultivation and quality seed production in district Kupwara. The programme, held across the villages of Hachmarg, Kalaroos (Serkauli Mohalla), and at the Gujjar and Bakarwal Hostel, emphasized strengthening the knowledge platform and community-based seed systems in tribal regions.

The event was graced by Mr. Mustafa Rahi, Member, District Development Council (DDC) Kalaroos, who commended SKUAST-K for its continued efforts to bring cutting-edge agricultural technologies to grassroots communities. Also present was Mr. Iqbal Choudhary, CEO, Seed Company Shalimar, who elaborated on the institution’s various initiatives to enhance vegetable production and praised the Division's outreach efforts.

Under the leadership of Professor and Head Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, the outreach initiative was spearheaded by experts including Professor Shahnaz Mufti, Dr. Rizwan Rashid, Dr. Asima Amin, and Dr. Berjes Zehra, who conducted in-depth technical sessions. The sessions covered topics such as scientific methods of vegetable cultivation, varietal selection, integrated nutrient and pest management, and seed production practices tailored to the local agro-climatic conditions.

Highlights from the Programme:

At Hachmarg (Tehsil Ramhal):

Special emphasis was placed on empowering the tribal farming community by introducing high-yielding, region-specific vegetable varieties. Farmers were sensitized to the concept of seed sovereignty and the pivotal role of community-based seed systems in ensuring local agricultural resilience and nutritional security.

At Kalaroos (Serkauli Mohalla):

Farmers received newly released varieties of pea to promote the adoption of high-yielding and locally adapted cultivars. Technical demonstrations were conducted on scientific vegetable production, seed quality enhancement, and sustainable practices, receiving a positive response from the local farming community.

At Gujjar and Bakarwal Hostel, Kupwara:

Awareness sessions on self-sustainable nutrition gardening were conducted for school students, focusing on the importance of household-level vegetable production for improved dietary diversity and nutritional well-being. The sessions aimed to instill a sense of self-reliance in food production among tribal youth.

Throughout the programme, interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and distribution of quality seed kits enabled over 300 participants — including progressive farmers, tribal youth, women self-help groups, and local stakeholders — to gain hands-on experience and access to improved agricultural inputs.

The initiative also explored market linkages and value addition opportunities, aiming to enhance the income of tribal farmers and make agriculture a viable livelihood option in these remote regions.

Vision for the Future:

Speaking at the event, Professor Ishfaq Abidi emphasized that the initiative marks a significant step towards transforming vegetable cultivation in tribal areas, contributing to improved livelihoods, nutritional security, and self-reliance in seed production. He informed that the programme was conducted under the direction of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Director Research of SKUAST-Kashmir, with a vision to promote the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and inputs in underserved areas.

The Mega Outreach Programme successfully laid a foundation for long-term engagement, capacity building, and sustainable agricultural development in the tribal belts of Kupwara — reinforcing SKUAST-Kashmir’s commitment to inclusive growth and rural empowerment.