Kashmir’s grape growers received valuable insights from renowned grape expert and Krishi Ratna Anil G. Meher, popularly known as the ‘Grape Man of India’, during a Grape Day organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal at Kralbagh in collaboration with J&K Bank, Shuhama, today.
The farmer-centric programme brought together scientists, agricultural experts and a large number of growers to promote scientific grape cultivation, improved orchard management and stronger farmer–scientist linkages.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, was the Chief Guest, while Shri Anil G. Meher attended as the Guest of Honour. Officers and officials of SKUAST-Kashmir, scientists and farmers participated in the programme.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth underscored the importance of farmer–scientist interaction in addressing field-level challenges and accelerating the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. She encouraged farmers to embrace scientific practices for improving productivity, quality and profitability, while assuring continued technical support from SKUAST-K.
Addressing the gathering, Anil G. Meher shared his extensive experience in grape cultivation and encouraged farmers to adopt improved and scientific practices to enhance productivity, quality and returns. He stressed the importance of staying connected with agricultural experts and making effective use of technical guidance available to the farming community.
Dr Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal, highlighted the role of KVKs in providing location-specific technical guidance and facilitating the transfer of scientific knowledge to farmers. He emphasized that regular interaction with growers helps identify field-level challenges and develop practical solutions suited to local conditions.
Prof. Aroosa Khalil, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Kashmir, shared technical insights on scientific grape cultivation, orchard management and recommended horticultural practices for improving grape yield and quality. She also interacted with farmers and responded to their queries on various aspects of grape production.
Representing J&K Bank, Shuhama, Ifrah Yaqoob, Manager, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting the farming community and assured farmers of necessary financial assistance for their agricultural activities.
The programme provided farmers an opportunity to directly interact with the visiting grape expert, university scientists and officers and discuss challenges related to grape cultivation. The experts assured the growers of continued technical guidance and institutional support.
The interactive session concluded with an emphasis on strengthening farmer–scientist–institution linkages and promoting scientific, sustainable and profitable grape cultivation in the region.
