DDG ICAR, Director Extension SKAUST-K Launch STRY Programme on Canopy Management of Temperate Fruits

Srinagar: To impart scientific and technical skills on canopy management, high-tech nursery raising, KVK Srinagar launches six(06) days training programme w.e.f 26th December for unemployed youth under the aegis of STRY skill India.

The event was kick started by Prof. U.S Gautam, Dy.Director General (Agricultural extension), ICAR New Delhi, GOI at experimental field division of fruit science, Shalimar campus, SKAUST-K, while the inaugural session was graced by Dir. ATARI- Zone 1 Dr. Parvender Shareon, Director Extension SKAUST-K Prof.D.M Makhdoomi, Dr.Keshav (ATARI), Head KVK Dr.Shamim Simnani, and Head Dofs Dr.A.H Pandit, Dr. Sharma along with faculty members and field staff besides the participating trainees and KVK scientists.

On arrival of the dignitaries, Prof.Makhdoomi accorded floral welcome to Prof.Gautam and welcomed the other guests as well. In his inaugural remarks Prof. Gautam stressed upon the trainees to inculcate scientific pruning skills to augment the production of quality produce for national and international market in backdrop of the horticulture-based economy of UT of J&K.

He, further advised the organizers to undertake more such programs for promotion of horticulture-based skill entrepreneurship, as well as Hi-tech nursery raising for low volume-high value crops for self-employment generation and higher remunerations to the growers.

On the occasion, Prof.Simnani highlighted the importance of imparting right pruning methodology in relation to bearing habit to mitigate the challenges of low fruit-set, biennial bearing, low return bloom and above all inconsistent and low quality fruit produce confronting the growers of the region.

Prof. D M Makhdoomi in his concluding remarks focused on the conservation of sustainable soil fertility and health while achieving the goals of enhanced fruit productivity through GAP and Hi-tech precision horticulture. Dr. Rayees wani, coordinator of the program gave a brief account of the training program and its objectives.