TAJ demands Central Agricultural University status for SKUAST-J

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: “In the whole Northern India there is not even a single Central Agricultural University so far and Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir UT is the most suitable place for the establishment of the same as the region is bestowed upon with four agro climatic zones viz., subtropical, subtemperate, temperate, cold arid zones (not available in any other area of the country) where a large no. of crops like rice, wheat, maize, pearl millet, buck wheat etc. are grown along with a number of cash crops, vegetables, fruits, wild mushroom, saffron etc. throughout the year. Moreover, off season vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, knolkhol are grown in Chenani area and sub-mountainous area of Jammu Shivaliks locally called Kandi belt is very popular for growing of barley, gram, local mango, Jamun, Phalsa as well as Tarar. So, up gradation of SKUAST- Jammu to Central Agricultural University of Jammu is the most genuine step that will go a long way in bringing the neglected farmers and people of Jammu to feel a part of Great Indian Nation” said President SKUAST-TAJ Dr. Vikas Sharma in a press statement.
Dr. Vikas informed that Jammu province has vast area, whose length / breadth ranges from 200 to 400 kms from Lakhanpur to Bani, Doda/Bhaderwah and Rajouri/Poonch.
SKUAST-Jammu have limited staff and resources, which makes difficult to cater to the needs of farmers in far flung / remote areas of Udhampur (Gool, Mahore, etc.), Doda / Bhaderwah (Chinta, Bhalessa etc.) and Bani (Dandi Kutu, Basohli, Billawar etc.), besides, upper reaches of Rajouri and Poonch districts, he added.
The farmers of these areas are unable to get the benefit of latest advances in agricultural technologies, due to the shortage of sanctioned staff and meager financial resources made available to the varsity.
Dr. Sharma informed that establishment of Central Agricultural University will help to take the latest technology to the door steps of farmers in far flung areas and will further assist the scientists and farmers of adjoining states especially Himachal Pardesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Dr Vivak M Arya General Secretary of the association informed that the matter has already been discussed with His Excellency Lieutenant Governer of J&K on January 17, 2021 during meeting of SKUAST-TAJ with LG at Raj Bhawan, Jammu and the Chancellor has assured that he will try his level best to address this genuine demand of teaching association.