Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), organised a technology demonstration on scientific cultivation of aquatic crops to promote aquatic plant development and livelihood opportunities through wetland-based agriculture in Kashmir.
According to a statement issued here, the demonstration focused on high-potential aquatic crops including Gorgon Nut (Makhana/Fox Nut), Water Chestnut, and Lotus, which offer strong potential for agricultural diversification, income enhancement, and sustainable utilization of water-rich ecosystems around Wular Lake.
The initiative marks the first organised scientific demonstration of aquatic crop cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir and represents a significant step towards promoting wetland-based agriculture in the region.
The programme gained added significance following the MoU signed in October between SKUAST Kashmir and ICAR–National Research Centre for Makhana (ICAR-NRCM), Darbhanga, aimed at strengthening collaborative research and development in aquatic crops.
Prof. Indu Shekhar Singh, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NRCM, Darbhanga, led the programme and conducted live field-based demonstrations on scientific cultivation practices of makhana and water chestnut under local agro-ecological conditions, highlighting their economic viability in Kashmir’s wetlands.
Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain, Professor-cum-Chief Scientist, AICRP on Post-Harvest Technology, highlighted the importance of post-harvest management and value addition to enhance profitability from aquatic crops.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Bandipora-1, informed that lotus cultivation has been successfully established at the KVK demonstration farm with high production under organic conditions, strengthening prospects for expansion of aquatic crops.
