The 18th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-1 and the 4th SAC meeting of KVK Kargil–II for reviewing progress report 2021-22 and discussing the action plan 2022-2023 were held on September 5.

The meeting was chaired by Vice Chancellor SKUAST- Kashmir, Professor (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai. Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan was also present.

Vice Chancellor stressed crop diversification, certification of organic produce, processing, branding, and marketing of local organic produce so that the farmer can fetch higher prices in the market. He focused on the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for all the products which will empower the farming community to enhance crop production and productivity.

 Discussion on achievement, functioning, and target of the KVK was carried out. 
Various needs including the availability of staff and scientists were also discussed. VC assured filling of vacant positions as and when UT Ladakh gives them NOC. 

Officers from line departments also attended the meeting and interacted with the VC and discussed issues related to indigenous crops and the flora of Kargil.

Four progressive farmers gave their feedback regarding the time-to-time visit and technical guidance delivered by KVKs, which was appreciated by the Vice Chancellor. He appreciated Sakina Banoo, a farmer from Shargole block for her extraordinary income earned from 1 Kanal land of vegetables after adopting various technology. Head of KVK Kargil was directed to document the success story of her work.

Chairman/CEC LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmed Khan appreciated the effort of SKUAST-K in disseminating the technology whenever required and wished to keep KVKs and research station of Kargil under SKUAST-K for the benefit of the farming community.

He requested the VC to meet the acute shortage of technical manpower in the unit. He expressed his desire to have Mega Kisan Mela in the Kargil district from SKUAST-K.

Director Extension, Dr. Dil Muhammad Makdoomi briefed about the role and activities of KVKs in the meeting along with the objective of the meeting.

Earlier Professor and Head Dr. Mehdi and Dr. Shah Khan presented the annual report 2021-22 and action plan 2022-23 of KVK Kargil 1 and II, respectively. The Chairperson also distributed certificates among the trainees of skill development training in “Crochet Knitting”.