SAMBA, Nov 10: In a concerted effort to promote oilseed cultivation and encourage agricultural diversification, a team of scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Samba, SKUAST-Jammu, led by Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Samba, visited different locations in Block Ghagwal to motivate farmers to bring maximum cultivable area under oilseed crops, particularly mustard.
The initiative was undertaken under the esteemed stewardship of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and the able guidance of Prof.AmrishVaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu.
During the field interaction, Prof. Sanjay Khajuria emphasized the importance of timely sowing of mustard and advised farmers to keep their fields neat, clean and properly prepared to ensure timely completion of sowing operations. He urged the farming community not to delay mustard sowing and highlighted the importance of applying an adequate dose of sulphur for improving oil content and enhancing the quality of mustard oil. He also encouraged farmers to take advantage of the prevailing opportunities for oilseed cultivation.
Dr. Neerja Sharma, Chief Scientist, Horticulture, sensitized the farmers about improved mustard cultivation practices, its nutritional and economic benefits, and the importance of including mustard in diversified cropping systems.
Dr. Ajay Kumar, SMS, Agriculture Extension, stressed the importance of strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and providing effective institutional backstopping to ensure better aggregation, value addition and marketing of oilseed produce, thereby enhancing farmers’ income.
Dr. Shalini Khajuria, SMS, Soil Science, highlighted the importance of incorporating biofertilizers into oilseed production systems to improve soil health, enhance nutrient availability and promote sustainable crop productivity.
It is pertinent to mention that the Department of Agriculture, Samba, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer, Samba, is making concerted efforts to bring an increasingly larger area under oilseed crops. These initiatives are being implemented in close coordination with the FPO on Oilseeds and with the technical support and guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samba, SKUAST-Jammu.
The joint efforts of the Department of Agriculture, KVK Samba and FPOs are expected to provide a significant impetus to oilseed production, strengthen local agricultural enterprises, reduce dependence on imported edible oils and improve the overall economic well-being of the farming community.