The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has launched a mega potato seed multiplication programme in the remote and pristine Gurez Valley. This initiative, described as a landmark step, is set to revolutionise seed production within the region. Spearheaded by SKUAST-K’s division of Vegetable Science, the programme’s primary goal is to enhance the region’s self-reliance in potato seed production and significantly reduce dependency on seed imports.
The official launch of this ambitious programme took place on 27 May. The initial phase was initiated at Budugam village in the Tulail Valley and the adjoining areas. This undertaking covers an expansive area, bringing an additional 150 kanals of land under cultivation as part of the programme. Furthermore, the initiative also encompasses the cultivated areas at the Mountain Agricultural Research and Extension Station (MAR&ES) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Gurez, with more than 75 percent of their cultivable land now dedicated to this programme.
The programme has set clear targets for its first phase. It aims for the production of 1,000 quintals of high-quality potato seeds. This is just the beginning, as there are explicit plans to scale up production in subsequent years. The long-term vision is to meet the seed requirements of both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions entirely through this local production. This strategic intervention is expected to lead to a significant reduction in the region’s reliance on external seed sources. By achieving this, the programme is paving the way for a sustainable, self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Choosing Gurez Valley for this crucial programme was a deliberate decision, leveraging its unique attributes. The valley is recognised for its unique agro-climatic conditions and a natural resistance to common potato diseases. These factors make it an ideal location for producing healthy, high-quality seed material. Utilising these inherent advantages, the initiative is poised to be a game-changer for the region’s agricultural landscape.
The implementation of this mega programme involves a dedicated team and multiple collaborating partners. A key team lead by Prof. H.R. Naik, the Director Research, was present. Other prominent figures included Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Head of the Division of Vegetable Science; Chowdary M. Iqbal, CEO of Shalimar Beej; Prof. Syed Faheema Mushtaq, Principal Investigator for AICRP on Potato; and Dr Hilal Ahmed Malik, Head of KVK Gurez. Several other scientists from SKUAST-K are also part of the team. The Division of Vegetable Science serves as the main collaborator for the programme. It is being implemented in partnership with several key organisations and projects, including the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Potato, the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) Shimla, MAR&ES Gurez, KVK Gurez, the National Seed Project (NSP), and the Human Resource Development Programme (HADP) Network of SKUAST-K.
This collaborative and strategic effort represents a critical step towards building a resilient, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable future for the farming community in Jammu and Kashmir. By boosting the local production of high-quality potato seeds, the programme not only addresses a key input requirement for farmers but also strengthens the entire agricultural value chain from within the region. This landmark move to boost seed production of vegetables, specifically focusing on potatoes in this instance, underscores a commitment to agricultural innovation and self-sufficiency. The success of this mega potato seed multiplication programme in the unique environment of Gurez Valley holds significant promise for transforming the agricultural landscape and ensuring a more secure future for farmers across both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
