Bandipora, Oct 22 : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is working to revive millet cultivation in Gurez Valley, with scientists identifying the traditional crop as a potential source of income for farmers in the mountainous region.
The university has begun a two-day training programme at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gurez, focusing on scientific cultivation, processing and marketing of millets.
Speaking during the programme, Chief Scientist Prof. Lal Singh said millets could be suitable for the climatic conditions of Gurez because of their adaptability and resilience to changing weather patterns.
He said farmers could improve earnings by processing millets into marketable products rather than depending solely on selling raw produce.
Prof. Singh stressed the need for better packaging, labelling and branding to improve the commercial value of millet-based products.
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Gurez, Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, said the university was focusing on reviving traditional crops while introducing modern agricultural techniques to create livelihood opportunities for the tribal population.
He said collaborative research and field-level support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP-08) would focus on improving millet cultivation, processing and product development.
Scientist Dr. Jauhar Rafeeq said the university’s action plan for 2027-28 would include measures for the revival and promotion of heritage crops, particularly millets.
The university also proposed an exposure visit for progressive farmers from Gurez to its Faculty of Agriculture at Wadura during the forthcoming season.
The visit would allow farmers to learn about improved cultivation techniques and agricultural technologies developed by SKUAST-Kashmir.
Farmers, research scholars, agricultural scientists and technical staff participated in the programme, which also covered the nutritional benefits and market potential of millets. (KNS)
