Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday convened the 58th and 59th meetings of the Research and Extension Advisory Committee (REAC) to review the University's research and extension agenda, assess progress on key initiatives, and chart future priorities for technology development and dissemination.
Chairing the meetings, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai called for demand-driven, farmer-centric and impact-oriented research to advance the bioeconomy, agribusiness, climate-resilient agriculture, value addition, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. Congratulating the University's scientists for developing improved crop varieties and farmer-oriented technologies, he said these focus areas would be pivotal in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a hub of innovation-led agricultural development. He also released several university publications during the meeting.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, presented the agenda and highlighted REAC's role in aligning the University's research and extension programmes with the evolving needs of farmers and other stakeholders.
The committee reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR), proposals for varietal release before the University Varietal Release Committee (UVRC) and State Seed Sub-Committee (SSSC), progress of minikit trials, and fresh research proposals submitted by various faculties and research stations.
The House was informed that SKUAST-K has transferred 87 technologies to end users, released eight improved crop varieties, advanced 13 additional varieties for release, and initiated 15 minikit trials to facilitate on-farm validation and wider adoption of the technology.
The university also reported significant outreach through its extension programs, training 5,550 beneficiaries under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), 6,550 through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 850 through the Directorate of Extension, and 16,000 participants under MSME-supported skill development initiatives, underscoring its commitment to strengthening farmers' capacities, entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.
Concluding the deliberations, Prof. Ganai reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among research institutions, government departments and stakeholders to accelerate innovation, improve farmers' livelihoods and build a resilient, knowledge-driven agricultural economy in Jammu & Kashmir.
The meetings were attended by the Director Agriculture, Kashmir; representatives of the Departments of Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries; Deans, Directors, and Heads of Divisions; KVK program coordinators; scientists; and other members of the Research and Extension Advisory Committee.
