Prof. (Dr.) Ishfaq Abidi, Chief Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, has been honoured with a prestigious citation by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR–ATARI), Zone-I, Ludhiana. The citation, awarded on January 11, 2026, recognises Dr. Abidi’s visionary leadership in transforming KVK Ganderbal into a nationally recognised model for agricultural extension in Jammu and Kashmir.

Since taking charge in May 2022, Dr. Abidi has led a comprehensive turnaround at KVK Ganderbal, establishing it as a centre of excellence in areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, high-tech horticulture, digital farming, mechanisation, and agri-entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, KVK Ganderbal has exceeded national benchmarks in innovation, outreach, and impact.
•Sustainable Land Use: Dr. Abidi converted nearly 35 acres of degraded land into fertile farmland, promoting sustainable farming in the face of soil degradation across the Himalayan region.
Technology Integration: He introduced drone-based precision farming and advanced mechanisation systems, significantly improving efficiency and productivity.
Oats Silage Unit: Established India's first public-sector Oats Silage Unit, boosting fodder availability and livestock nutrition in Kashmir.
Farm Machinery Centre: Created a Farm Machinery Custom Hiring Centre, enabling small farmers to access modern equipment at affordable rates.
Molecular Laboratory: Established a Molecular Laboratory for better plant health diagnostics and quality control.
Dr. Abidi promoted high-density orchards and clonal rootstock mother banks, helping farmers shift to modern systems with higher yields and resistance to pests. His leadership in the National Oilseed Mission led to a 25-35 quintals per acre increase in productivity across 7,000 kanals in 35 villages, enhancing incomes and reducing reliance on imported edible oils.
KVK Ganderbal's annual revenue rose from ₹3-4 lakh to ₹20-22 lakh, driven by integrated farming systems, apiculture, and climate-smart technologies.
Dr. Abidi emphasized farmer outreach, skill development, and MSME promotion, alongside empowering women and encouraging agri-entrepreneurship, significantly improving rural livelihoods in the region.
This recognition by ICAR–ATARI underscores the transformative power of strong leadership in agricultural extension. With the challenges of climate change and market volatility, KVK Ganderbal’s success under Dr. Abidi offers a replicable model for sustainable, resilient farming across the region and beyond.