Kashmir agri varsity ex-head meets PAU V-C over shared focus areas

Former Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, and SKUAST, Kashmir, JP Sharma held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Satbir Singh Gosal during his recent visit to the agri varsity in Ludhiana.

Welcoming the SKUAST former V-C, Dr Gosal shared insights on the research, teaching and extension programmes of the PAU.

Pointing out the persistent challenges of natural resource depletion, erratic weather patterns and descending farm income, the PAU V-C said the their focus was on developing non-water intensive and climate-resilient crop varieties and agricultural technologies that could save water, combat pests and diseases, cut input costs and augment farm income. Besides, emphasis was also put on skill enhancement and entrepreneurship development through the adoption of subsidiary occupations to help rural and urban population witness economic growth, he added.

Being ranked number one among agri-varsities of India in the NIRF 2024 list, Dr Gosal said the PAU’s tremendous role in the development of more than 950 crop varieties, effective extension mechanism, quality agricultural education and upgraded social media links had enabled it to climb the ladder of success and fortify its ties with the farmers at the grassroots level.

Further, he informed the SKUAST former V-C about the rising popularity of the PAU-developed wheat variety PBW 826 at the national-level, especially in Jammu.

Dr Sharma, while commending the PAU for its unmatched contributions to agriculture and the allied sectors, dwelled upon the achievements of SKUAST in research management, innovative extension models and entrepreneurship development for livelihood security of the farmers.

“Farmers of Jammu and Kashmir were dedicated to agriculture and have made remarkable contributions to horticulture and vegetable cultivation,” he added.

Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, talked about paced technology dissemination through enhanced print, electronic and social media links of the PAU. The Kisan Melas have been much sought-after by the farming community of Punjab and its neighbouring states, he said, adding that the PAU had also been a skill training hub for the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir and other national and international farmers.