Srinagar, Sep 1: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal of SKUAST-K organised an Input Distribution Ceremony for tribal farmers at Naranag, aimed at strengthening livelihoods through scientific farming practices, capacity building, and equitable access to agricultural resources.
Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi, Member Parliament (Anantnag & Rajouri), was the Chief Guest, while Mian Mehar Ali, MLA (Kangan), attended as the Guest of Honour. Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Raihana H. Kanth, Director Extension, and Dr Ajaz Ahmed Malik, Senior Scientist and Head KVK Ganderbal, were also present alongside scientists, officials of line departments, and members of civil society.
In his keynote address, MP Mian Altaf Larvi commended KVK Ganderbal’s grassroots work in linking tribal farmers with government schemes and providing them with access to vital agricultural inputs.
He urged farmers to move beyond subsistence farming and take advantage of training and skill development opportunities offered by SKUAST-K. MLA Mehar Ali also lauded KVK Ganderbal’s outreach in far-flung areas, describing its interventions as transformative for tribal communities.
Vice Chancellor Nazir Ganie underlined the importance of empowering tribals through sustainable and organic farming practices, urging the adoption of climate-resilient crops. Prof Raihana Kanth highlighted SKUAST-K’s outreach programmes and congratulated KVK Ganderbal for its consistent commitment to farmer welfare.
Dr Ajaz Malik provided an overview of the initiative, stressing that modern tools and high-yielding crop varieties would be crucial in making tribal farmers self-reliant. He reiterated KVK Ganderbal’s pledge to extend its reach across remote areas of the district.
On this occasion, essential agricultural inputs were distributed among the farmers. The programme witnessed a large gathering of tribal farmers from remote parts of Ganderbal, who expressed gratitude to SKUAST-K and KVK for their sustained support in strengthening tribal agriculture.
