Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar today inaugurated GONGUL 2025 – The10^thSKUAST-K AgriTech Mela, a three-day mega event showcasing cutting-edge agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the agriculture sector at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.

This year’s mela is special as it emphasises secondary and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the objectives of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). With a greater focus on value addition, climate resilience, and agri-entrepreneurship, the event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers to shape the future of agriculture in J&K.

The mela has more than 400 stalls exhibiting the latest farm machinery, precision agriculture, sale of seeds and planting material, farm animals and birds. The mela for the first time organised a pet animal show in which pet dogs and cats displayed their training skills. 

J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar, the chief guest of the event, inaugurated Gongul-2025 in a grand ceremony also featuring majestic horses. He lauded SKUAST-K’s for choosing ‘Gongul’ as the name for AgriTech Mela, which connects the next generation with rich Kashmiri culture. He narrated childhood activities linked with Gongul (onset of sowing) in Kashmir and the evolution of tech-driven farming in the valley. He cautioned about preserving Kashmiri culture, known globally for its cuisine, literature, architecture and rich traditions. While hailing the HADP, he said the initiative is going to change the fortunes of the people of J&K. He assured full support of the J&K Government to SKUAST-K, leading the transformation of the agriculture landscape of the region. He also ensured strict law enforcement for checking the trade of spurious agrochemicals. 

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K said the Gongul-2025 reflects the achievements and aspirations of J&K’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program. He said SKUAST-K has envisioned J&K as a model bioeconomy for Viksit Bharat through futuristic innovation-led farming. Prof Ganai thanked the J&K Government for generous support to the university initiatives. 

Member Legislative Assembly for Kreeri Constituency, Irfan Hafiz Lone, while appreciating SKUAST-K in empowering J&K farmers, desired policy formulation and law enforcement for preserving the fast-shrinking agriculture land and promoting export potential of local produce. 

MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, stressed on the implementation of the existing laws for saving the natural resources. He lauded the role of the scientists towards welfare and empowerment of farmers. 

Chairman, Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, Ashok Dalwai, said J&K has a role to play in accomplishing the country’s targets set under Vision 2047. He said it is important to aware rest of the country about J&K’s agri-transformation journey under HADP. 

This year’s edition is structured around several key subthemes, each offering unique insights into different aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture. The Brand Bizz Fest facilitates networking between MNCs, FPOs, SHGs, and industry leaders, while the Food Fest celebrates diverse cuisines crafted by student startups and local food entrepreneurs. The Startup and Tech Show highlights groundbreaking agricultural innovations, and the Industry Exhibition showcases cutting-edge machinery and advanced farming technologies.

Gongul-2025 also emphasises sustainable farming through the Organic & Natural Farming Show, focusing on bio-inputs, and the Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Show, exploring Himalayan herbal treasures. The Processed Products Show exhibits value-added and diversified farm products. Additionally, the Seed Show and Planting Material Show provides premium quality seeds and plants for farmers and gardening enthusiasts.