01/08/2026
The 14th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of KVK Shopian and the 20th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of KVK Kulgam were successfully organized at KVK Shopian. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir.
The programme was graced by Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Hon'ble MLA, Shopian, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Najeeb-ur-Rehman Sofi, Associate Director Research, MRCFC Khudwani; Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Head, KVK Shopian; Dr. Abdul Shakoor Khanday, Head, KVK Kulgam; Programme Coordinators of KVKs of Kashmir Division; officers from the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry; scientists from KVK Shopian, KVK Kulgam and AARC Pahnoo; along with progressive and champion farmers from the districts of Shopian and Kulgam.
During the meeting, Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Head, KVK Shopian, and Dr. Abdul Shakoor Khanday, Head, KVK Kulgam, delivered presentations regarding the Annual Progress Reports (2025–26) and Annual Action Plans (2026–27) of their respective KVKs, highlighting major achievements, technological interventions, farmer capacity-building initiatives, and future strategies for sustainable agricultural development.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of a High-Density Apple Orchard established on 6 kanals of land and a High-Density Cherry Orchard established on 8 kanals of land at KVK Shopian by Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai. The newly established orchards are expected to serve as demonstration and training units for the dissemination of advanced temperate fruit production technologies among the farming community.
The meeting also featured deliberations on strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages, climate-resilient agriculture, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), agri-entrepreneurship, and market-oriented farming. Representatives of line departments and progressive farmers appreciated the initiatives undertaken by both KVKs and shared valuable suggestions for further enhancing the impact of extension programmes.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion and recommendations from scientists, departmental officers, and farmers, reaffirming SKUAST-Kashmir's commitment to promoting innovative, climate-resilient, and profitable agriculture through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
