Minister lays stone of walnut research centre in Kupwara

Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday laid the foundation stone of administrative-cum-laboratory blocks of the Centre of Excellence on Walnut Research in Kupwara.

A spokesperson said it was a significant boost to walnut research and production.

Officials said the centre, a vital project of the SKUAST-K funded by NABARD, aimed to promote quality walnut production, high-tech processing and packaging.

“With a project cost of Rs 3.50 crore, it will serve as a repository of germ plasma, scientific information centre and training hub for human resource development and technology transfer,” the spokesperson said.

Accompanied by dignitaries, Dar also inspected the project site, which includes a walnut processing unit and labs for quality testing. He also interacted with the farmers, listening to their concerns. He visited the stalls showcasing local produce and SKUAST-K’s initiatives.

He said the centre was expected to significantly impact the walnut production, benefiting farmers in different capacities. The minister said through these initiatives, the SKUAST-K had established itself as a pivotal institution in advancing agriculture and allied sectors.

Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Nazir Ahmed Ganai said the centre would focus on several key functions, especially in the areas of agricultural innovation, research and knowledge dissemination, which would help improve productivity, economic sustainability and overall growth of the walnut industry, though scientific and practical innovations.

Interacts with farmers

• Minister Dar inspected the project site, which includes a walnut processing unit and labs for quality testing
• He also interacted with farmers, listening to their concerns
• He visited the stalls showcasing local produce and SKUAST-K’s initiatives