Srinagar, May 6: Vice chancellor, SKUAST-K Prof. Anwar Alam stressed upon the varsity scientists to raise the quality seed, planting material and exploit full potential of available technologies through extension programmes and approaches.
 He advised the extension functionaries to ensure that there was no overlapping of the extension programmes between the development departments and the SKUAST-K.
 Prof Alam laid stress for popularizing low cost polyhouses to ensure food security in changing climatic scenario.
 Prof. Alam also laid emphasis on providing of vocational trainings to rural youth for generating the employment avenues and asked the Programme Coordinators of the KVKs established in almost every district of the Valley to take lead in this direction. He was speaking during the inaugural function of the 23rd Extension Education Council Meeting that commenced today in the Main Hall of Directorate of Extension Education SKUAST-K, Shalimar.
 Prof. S.S. Magar, Ex.Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B.S.  Sawant Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra and Dr. M.S.Gill, Director Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana were invited specialists from outside for their expert opinion.
 Prof. Magar said that work for the change in the mind set of farming community was indeed necessary for obtaining optimum results through participatory approaches and self help groups.
 Dr. Gill highlighted the tips about the extension methodology to be used for transfer of technology, wherein focus should be on knowledge, skill technology, training and communication techniques. He stated that farmers in Punjab are able to realize yields of different crops and commodities close to potentials created by research.
 Prof. A. R. Trag, Director Research gave an account of different technologies and released varieties of different crop varieties developed by the SKUAST-K, He impressed upon the officers  of Development departments, NGOs’ and progressive farmers to work together for the adoption of these technologies in their fields.
 The inaugural function was hosted by Dr. Farooq Aga. The meeting was attended by Dr. G.H.Shah, Director Horticulture Kashmir Deans of the University, representatives of Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry Departments, Associate Directors, Professor and Heads, KVK Programme Coordinators, Scientists of University, Progressive Farmers besides other Council members.
 Earlier Dr. K. N. Singh, Associate Director Extension gave details about major achievements of the Extension activities of previous year. On the occasion some books on soil science, bee (mach tuler) and crop calendar and some pamphlets and folders were released by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, invited experts and Director Research. Vice-Chancellor also distributed 5 and 8 horse power pumps among some farmers hailing from different parts of the valley.
 At the end Dr. Safeer Alam Dy.Director Trainings presented vote of thanks. The reafter technical session started. The Two day meeting will discuss various facets of extension activities carried out by the various divisions of the university besides action taken report and proposals for the current year through Powerpoint presentations.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 May 2010 00:00:00 IST