16/10/2026
KVK Kupwara Organises Awareness-cum-Training Programmes on Perennial Fodder Cultivation and Walnut Value Addition for Tribal Farmers and Walnut Growers
Kupwara, October 16: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kupwara, in collaboration with the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Rangreth, Srinagar, organised two awareness-cum-training programmes aimed at strengthening the livelihood opportunities of tribal farmers and improving the income of walnut growers in Kupwara district.
The programmes witnessed the participation of 60 tribal farmers from different areas of Kupwara district, along with scientists, experts and representatives of the collaborating institutions. The initiatives focused on promoting scientific fodder cultivation, improving livestock health and productivity, and enhancing the market value of walnuts through scientific processing, grading and value addition.
The first programme focused on the importance of perennial fodder cultivation for ensuring a sustainable and economical supply of quality feed for livestock, particularly in tribal and rural areas where livestock rearing constitutes an important source of livelihood.
Welcoming the participants and the visiting team, Dr G. M. Bhat, Head, KVK Kupwara, highlighted the importance of introducing improved perennial fodder varieties to strengthen the livestock sector. He emphasised that the cultivation of perennial fodder crops can help farmers ensure a regular supply of green fodder, reduce dependence on purchased feed and improve the overall productivity and profitability of livestock farming.
Dr Bhat encouraged tribal farmers to adopt scientific fodder production practices and integrate fodder cultivation into their existing farming systems. He also stressed the need for close coordination between research institutions and KVKs to ensure that scientific technologies reach farmers at the grassroots level.
Prof. Suhail, Head of IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, along with his team, participated in the programme and shared their technical expertise with the farmers. Prof. Suhail and his colleague, Dr Nazim, delivered detailed presentations on the package of practices for perennial fodder cultivation, covering important aspects of crop establishment, scientific management and the production of quality fodder.
The experts explained how improved fodder production can contribute to better livestock nutrition, enhanced animal productivity and increased returns from dairy and other livestock-based enterprises.
As part of the programme, perennial fodder seeds, deworming medicines and calcium supplements were distributed free of cost among the participating tribal farmers. The distribution was intended to support farmers in adopting improved fodder cultivation practices and maintaining better livestock health.
The second programme was organised for walnut growers with the objective of improving the quality, marketability and economic returns of walnuts produced in Kupwara district.
Ms Azra Indrabi, Managing Officer, IMPEDA, interacted with the walnut growers and provided practical, hands-on training on various aspects of walnut handling, processing, grading and value addition. She explained how scientific post-harvest management and appropriate grading practices can help farmers improve the presentation and quality of their produce, access better markets and obtain remunerative prices.
The participants were sensitised to the importance of maintaining quality standards, adopting improved processing techniques and exploring market-oriented approaches to walnut marketing. The programme highlighted the need to move beyond the traditional sale of ungraded produce and focus on quality enhancement and value addition to improve farmers' income.
Scientists from KVK Kupwara, including Dr Firdous Raina and Dr Faisal Nabi, also delivered lectures and interacted with the participating farmers. They emphasised the importance of scientific interventions, farmer capacity building and institutional support in strengthening the agricultural economy of the district.
The training provided an opportunity for walnut growers to learn practical techniques that can be adopted at the farm and community levels to improve product quality and market competitiveness.
Emphasis on Institutional Collaboration and Farmers' Welfare
Speaking on the occasion, Dr G. M. Bhat expressed his gratitude to IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, and IMPEDA for selecting Kupwara district for these important awareness and training programmes. He observed that such collaborative initiatives are particularly significant for a district with considerable potential in livestock-based livelihoods and walnut production.
He stressed that sustained cooperation between research organisations, extension agencies and farmers is essential for transferring scientific knowledge, promoting entrepreneurship and improving the economic conditions of farming communities, particularly tribal and resource-constrained households.
Dr Bhat also expressed his sincere gratitude to Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor (HVC), SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof. Rehana Habib Kanth, Director Extension Education; the Director Research; and Prof. Azmat Alam, Registrar, SKUAST-Kashmir, for their continued support, guidance and cooperation in strengthening the extension activities of KVK Kupwara and working towards the welfare and upliftment of the farming community.
He reiterated KVK Kupwara's commitment to organising need-based training programmes, promoting improved agricultural and livestock technologies, facilitating value addition and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers across the district.
The programmes concluded with an emphasis on continued institutional collaboration, practical skill development and the adoption of scientific farming practices to improve productivity, profitability and the overall well-being of farmers in Kupwara district.
