The 18th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of KVK- Leh was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) J. P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K on May 24 at SKUAST-K Stakna.

Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh, Programme Coordinator KVK Leh and Member Secretary (SAC) presented the Action Taken Report, Annual Progress Report (2020-21) and Action Plan (2021-22) of KVK Leh.

Dr. Sheikh gave a detailed presentation on all the activities of last year including the Action Taken Report 2020-21. He also listed the action plan for the year 2021-22, important achievements of KVK-Leh and the thrust areas where Kendra is focusing. 

Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor (Agriculture.) LAHDC-Leh; Ghulam Mehdi Executive Councillor (Horticulture), LAHDC-Leh; Director Extension, SKUAST-K Prof. (Dr.) Dil Muhammad Makhdoomi and Director Research; SKUAST-K Prof. (Dr.) S. A. Wani were also present.

While reviewing the activities of the KVK-Leh, Prof. (Dr.) J. P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K appreciated the work done by scientists of KVK. He advised the Head KVK to work on an area-specific approach identifying cluster of two to three villages and providing all the relevant site-specific interventions to the farming community. The scientists were asked to work on the certification of organic products, processing and value addition of local produce of the region to ensure that they are being sold at a premium price. 

The Executive Councillors asked about setting up of biocontrol lab and providing skill-based training in grafting and pruning to the fruit growers of the region.

Meanwhile, four publication of KVK-Leh including a handbook of agriculture-related schemes were released.

Director Extension called for making the farming community aware of these schemes so that they can get the benefit of them. Director Research called for working in close coordination with HMAARI and other institutes of the region and focus more on researchable issues. 

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Amal Saxena ADE; Dr. Deepankar Saha, Head CAZRI-Leh, other scientists from KVK-Leh and HMAARI, officers from the Line department and progressive farmers of the region. 

The Vice-Chancellors along with Directors visited various demo units of KVK-Leh, where he was briefed on protected cultivation technologies, mushroom unit, livestock farming, food processing and value addition of fruits and vegetables. 

While visiting the Dairy unit, the VC appreciated the efforts of KVK-Leh in setting up an integrated farming system model comprising of different units. He also visited the mushroom spawn laboratory and very keenly inspected the different products of KVK-Leh demonstrated at the training hall of KVK-Leh.