Srinagar, Feb 1: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara is in the service of the farmers of district Kupwara since its inception in 2005.  Mandate of the KVK includes conducting frontline demonstrations, on-farm testing of recommended technologies and imparting trainings to practicing farmers, rural youth and extension personnel, a statement here said.
 Some of the major activities which were conducted by KVK in Kupwara during 2011-12 are:
 SKUAST-K released varieties of Maize, Paddy, Wheat, Brown Sarson and vegetables were introduced in the district.
 Frontline Demonstrations were laid during 2011-12 on sixty hectares to demonstrate performance of composite Maize(C-8, C-15), sweet corn N-75, paddy (Jhelum), wheat (SW-1), brown sarsoon (KS-101), oats (Sabzar)and vegetables.
 The university was able to procure 40 quintal of paddy seed (Jehlum) and 7 q of maize (C-8) from the farmers covered under front line demonstration programme.
 These varieties were appreciated by the farmers because of their manifold increase in yield over local varieties. Sweet corn Sugar N-75 was introduced in the district for demonstration.
 Farmers were very enthusiastic about the crop as it proved highly remunerative as compared to other field crops cultivated in the area, it said.
On farm trials were conducted to test various technologies of the University under field conditions of Kupwara district, which included successful trial on paddy blast management, management of collar rot of apple, chilli wilt, improving quality of apple fruit by boron application, cultivation of okra etc.
 Seventy eight on-campus and off-campus training programmes were conducted to impart skill-based know-how to practicing farmers, rural youth and extension personnel on various production and protection aspects of cereals, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, scientific preservation of vegetables and importance of organic farming.
 Major problem for the rural youth in the district is unemployment. In order to enable the school drop-out girls earn their livelihood, vocational trainings on tila doozi and cutting and tailoring were imparted.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST