Budgam, Aug 11: To help farmers tap the growing potential of high-value spice cultivation, KVK Budgam, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Spices Board, Srinagar, organised a training-cum-awareness programme for spice growers, focusing on scientific production, post-harvest management, quality standards, value addition and market opportunities.

The programme brought together spice growers from the district to strengthen their technical knowledge of hill garlic, Kashmiri chilli, saffron and other important spices cultivated in the region.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Ambreen Nabi, Subject Matter Specialist (Vegetable Science), KVK Budgam, and Shri Ashutosh Gautam, Scientist, Spices Board, Regional Office Srinagar.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Bilal Ahmed Lone, Head, KVK Budgam, outlined the major spices cultivated in Budgam and highlighted key challenges as well as emerging opportunities in the sector. He stressed the need for scientific, quality-oriented production practices to improve productivity, quality and farm returns.
Dr. Lone also underlined the potential of agriculture as a viable and sustainable livelihood and encouraged growers to adopt modern technologies and good agricultural practices to strengthen the region’s position as a producer of quality spices.
During the technical session, Shri Ashutosh Gautam, Scientist, Spices Board, provided detailed guidance on scientific saffron production, post-harvest management and value addition. He also briefed growers on quality standards, organic production practices, the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), and Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) applicable to spices. He highlighted opportunities for participation in national and international exhibitions, trade fairs and food fairs to improve market access, build trade linkages and promote regional spices in domestic and international markets.
The session also covered the Spices Board’s initiatives in field-level technical support, entrepreneurship development, quality evaluation and testing facilities, along with other services available to spice growers.
In the later technical session, Dr. Ambreen Nabi provided detailed insights into the location-specific adaptability and varietal choices of spices suited to the Kashmir Valley. She also discussed targeted crop improvement programmes and recommended production practices for improving crop performance.
The programme provided growers with an interactive platform to raise field-level concerns, seek expert advice and learn about improved production and post-harvest practices, quality requirements and institutional support.