Bandipora, Sep 5: The 20th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora, SKUAST-Kashmir, was held today under the chairmanship of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening farmer-centric extension, promoting agricultural diversification and expanding technology-led interventions in the district.

Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib (JKAS), Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, attended the meeting as Guest of Honour, while Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, participated in the deliberations.
The meeting began with a presentation on the Annual Progress Report 2025–26, highlighting the major activities and achievements of KVK Bandipora during the year. Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Bandipora, subsequently presented the Action Plan for the forthcoming period and outlined the KVK’s proposed thrust areas, including crop diversification, aquatic agriculture, horticulture, protected cultivation, value addition, technology demonstrations, farmer training and capacity building.
Dr. Sultan also apprised the Committee of the ongoing initiatives and proposed programmes aimed at addressing the emerging production and livelihood needs of farmers in the district.
In his address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora in implementing farmer-oriented extension programmes and stressed the need for stronger technology dissemination, adoption of innovative and climate-resilient agricultural practices, and interventions focused on enhancing farm income and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib appreciated the KVK’s contribution towards agricultural development in Bandipora and called for continued coordination between KVK Bandipora and the district administration to strengthen farmer-oriented initiatives.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasised the importance of need-based extension programmes, field demonstrations, capacity building and effective farmer–scientist interaction.
Progressive farmers participating in the meeting shared their field-level experiences, observations and suggestions on agricultural production and emerging challenges in the district.
The SAC members held detailed discussions on the Annual Progress Report and Action Plan and offered suggestions for further strengthening the activities of KVK Bandipora. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening farmer-centric extension, promoting innovative agricultural technologies, diversifying farming systems and addressing the priority needs of the farming community in Bandipora.