SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday called for the adoption of technology-driven and organic farming practices to make agricultural produce from Jammu and Kashmir globally competitive. He emphasised that improving quality, productivity and market access is key to strengthening the rural economy and ensuring better returns for farmers.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating GON’GUL-2026, the 11th AgriTech Mela, at the Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
The inaugural session was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javaid Ahmad Dar, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Registrar Azmat Alam Khan, Principal GMC Srinagar Iffat Hassan, Director Extension Education SKUAST-K Rehana Habib Kanth, besides university faculty members, scientists, experts, growers, progressive farmers, youth innovators and agri-entrepreneurs from across Kashmir.
After inaugurating the three-day AgriTech Mela, the Chief Minister inspected more than 100 stalls set up by agri-preneurs, start-ups and enterprises showcasing innovative agricultural technologies. He interacted with stall owners, enquiring about their produce, start-ups, enterprises and technological interventions being adopted in agriculture and allied sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah praised the exceptional performance of growers, farmers, scientists and experts in the agriculture and horticulture sectors across Jammu & Kashmir. He said their sustained efforts have played a crucial role in transforming the agrarian landscape of the Union Territory through innovation, research and effective implementation of government programmes.
The Chief Minister highlighted the significant role played by SKUAST-K and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) in advancing agriculture and horticulture. He said both universities have achieved remarkable milestones in research, innovation and field outreach, thereby empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.
Stressing the need for global competitiveness, Omar Abdullah said Jammu & Kashmir must focus on technology-driven and organic farming solutions, along with value addition, branding and improved market linkages. These measures, he noted, are essential to boost farmers’ incomes and ensure sustainable rural growth.
He further observed that platforms like GON’GUL provide valuable opportunities for farmers to directly interact with experts, explore modern tools and access new market avenues. The Chief Minister also lauded student-led innovations and start-ups, particularly those offering technological solutions in farming and irrigation, underscoring the role of universities in nurturing the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.
The three-day mega event, themed “NextGen Agriculture: My Produce–My Price,” is showcasing cutting-edge agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities. The AgriTech Mela is expected to attract large participation from progressive farmers, agri-business firms, start-ups, researchers and students over the coming days.
