Bandipora, Oct 19: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, SKUAST-Kashmir, conducted its fourth farmer training programme on Makhana cultivation under the Central Sector Scheme on Development of Makhana, in collaboration with the Department of Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir.
The programme focused on cultivation practices, crop management and the commercial potential of Makhana as an alternative income-generating enterprise in Kashmir.
Dr. Tahir Saleem, Scientist, KVK Bandipora-1, highlighted the nutritional and commercial importance of Makhana and encouraged farmers to explore its cultivation for farm diversification and additional income.
Feroz Ahmad Shapoo, Assistant Director, Department of Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, outlined departmental initiatives to expand Makhana cultivation and stressed the need for technical support, farmer training and institutional coordination.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Professor and Head, KVK Bandipora-1, explained cultivation requirements, production techniques, crop management, harvesting and value addition. He also highlighted the KVK’s efforts to introduce and evaluate Makhana cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir to assess its suitability and economic potential.
Dr. Sultan discussed the scope for integrating Makhana with other commercially valuable aquatic crops, including lotus and water chestnut, to promote wetland utilisation, rural entrepreneurship and livelihood diversification.
Participants also visited the KVK’s aquatic crop demonstration and experimental plots, where they observed trials of Makhana, lotus and water chestnut and interacted with scientists on cultivation practices and local adaptability.
The programme aimed to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and encourage the adoption of aquatic crops as viable agricultural enterprises in the Kashmir Valley.
