Today marked the inauguration of a two-day Technology Exhibition-cum-Seed Mela at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, graced by the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala. The event witnessed the unveiling of several initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural landscape of the region.
Among the highlights of the inauguration were the unveiling of SKUAST Kashmir’s commercial Silage Unit, the launch of Krishi Radio, and the initiation of the Rural Internship – Student Rural Exploration program under the aegis of the J&K Government’s HADP initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala commended the transformative efforts led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the UT Administration in propelling the agriculture and allied sectors of J&K forward. He underscored the importance of innovation-based Agri Startups and announced plans for an Aqua park in J&K, promising extensive support for livestock production, modern fish markets, and livelihood opportunities for local farmers and pastoralists.
Expressing gratitude for the support received from the Government of India, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the pivotal role of SKUAST-Kashmir in driving agricultural reforms and unlocking the region’s potential. He emphasized the event’s significance as a platform for knowledge exchange, technology dissemination, and market linkages, empowering farmers with modern practices while preserving traditional wisdom.
With the theme “From Green and White Revolution to Blue Revolution: Cold Water Fisheries a Game Changer in J&K,” this year’s Mela heralds a new era of agricultural transformation, leveraging the region’s abundant water resources for holistic development. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of agriculture and allied sectors for economic prosperity.
He outlined ongoing efforts, including extending insurance schemes to the livestock sector, ensuring tap water connectivity to every household by June, and promoting fodder conservation through initiatives like the Silage Making Unit at KVK Ganderbal and the Krishi Radio for agricultural communication.
Highlighting the Holistic Agricultural Development Programme (HADP), the Lt Governor emphasized its role in transforming subsistence agriculture into a sustainable commercial agri-economy, thereby paving the way for resilient and smart agricultural practices.
Additionally, the Lt Governor announced initiatives for the empowerment of farmers and tribal communities, including the distribution of individual rights under the Forest Rights Act and extending the working period of Seasonal Teachers.
The event also saw the unveiling of a Start-Up Studio and the release of a publication on Pastoralism in India, further emphasizing the commitment towards innovation and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ms. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI; Sh. Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department J&K; Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, along with senior officials, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and students.