Srinagar, March 5: The 9th edition of two-day annual Technology Exhibition cum Seed Sale Mela of SKUAST-K was inaugurated by Union Minister of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala along with Lt. Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha here at Shalimar Campus at SKUAST-K.
The Mela featured SKUAST-K innovations, crop varieties, technologies, patents and product with special focus on Fisheries Sector. High profile dignitaries from Ministry, central and state government, academics, farmers and school students visited the 02 day event that had an approximate foot fall of 03 lakh people.
A day long Pastoralist Symposium was also held alongside the Technology Exhibition. While addressing as Chief Guest, Shri Rupala praised the University for taking a lead in student innovations especially those focusing on the development alternatives to chemical fertilizers and fungicides/insecticides. He expressed his confidence that J&K would lead the Nation in agri-4 revolution. He inaugurated SKUAST-K Krishi Radio and a State of Art Silage Bailing Facility at the University. Hon’ble Minister also released the documentary on Wild Life and launched the Rural Internship Programme for students under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme of UT of J&K. While praising the initiatives and the programme of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Rupula announced the establishment of Trout Aqua Park for giving big boost to fisheries sector.
Lieutenant Governor, while praising the University for its role for agricultural development in the region, assured his full support to crop insurance scheme and towards upliftment of tribal communities. Today, we celebrate the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines our agricultural landscape. This event serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, technology dissemination, and market linkages, empowering our farmers to embrace modern practices while preserving our age-old traditions, the Lt Governor said.
Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Union Minister and Government of India for their support and cooperation in development of Agriculture and Allied sector of the Union Territory.
The Trout Aqua Park shall come up at Sallar, Pahalgam located on the banks of river Lidder where Govt. of J&K has allotted 500 canals of land to SKUAST-Kashmir. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai thanked the Govt. of J&K for over all support and for allotting the land at Sallar that is most suitable for a Trout Aqua Park.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary Animal Husbandry and Dairying GoI, Shri Dr O. P. Chaudhary Joint Secy. Animal Husbandry and Dairying GoI and Shri Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secy. Agriculture Production Department, GoJ&K.
Union Minister and Lieutenant Governor had a lively interaction with innovators, officers, farmers and pastoralists during the event.
