The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Friday held a press conference and media interaction at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Hall, Shalimar, to brief the media about its flagship mega event “Gongul-2026: 11th SKUAST-K Agritech Mela”, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 16, 2026.
Addressing the media, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, described Gongul-2026 as the largest and most prestigious agricultural exhibition in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of the region through innovation, entrepreneurship and market-driven farming.
Prof. Ganai said the event, being organised under the theme “NextGen Agriculture: My Produce – My Price”, will serve as a dynamic platform to empower farmers, youth and agri-entrepreneurs by directly connecting them with advanced technologies, scientific knowledge, startups, value chains and market opportunities.
He highlighted that Gongul-2026 will showcase cutting-edge agricultural innovations, climate-resilient technologies, precision farming tools, agri-startups, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), and successful entrepreneurial models from across the country. The mela will also feature live demonstrations, expert interactions, exhibitions and buyer-seller meets to help farmers realise better price discovery and income enhancement.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the university is working on a strategic roadmap to strengthen the bio-economy of Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on sustainable agriculture, agri-value addition, food processing, and rural entrepreneurship. He noted that such initiatives are crucial for generating employment, especially for educated youth, and for making agriculture a profitable and dignified profession.
Prof. Ganai further stated that Gongul-2026 will act as a bridge between research, farmers and markets, ensuring that scientific innovations reach the grassroots and translate into tangible economic benefits. He reaffirmed SKUAST-K’s commitment to inclusive growth, farmer welfare and building a resilient agricultural ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Senior officers, scientists and officials of SKUAST-K were also present during the press interaction.
