Four-Day Program on Participatory Extension Approaches Begins at SKUAST-Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan, 28: A four-day collaborative program on "Participatory Extension Approaches for Extension Functionaries" commenced today at SKUAST-Kashmir. The event was jointly organized by the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, and the Extension Education Institute (EEI), Nilokheri, to equip extension workers with innovative strategies for sustainable agricultural development.

Inaugurating the program, Honorable Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmed Ganai, highlighted the importance of adopting bioeconomy-driven extension strategies and the pivotal role of participatory approaches in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized the need to focus on secondary agriculture to ensure long-term benefits for farmers and rural communities.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Regional Director of EEI Nilokheri, underlined the significance of collaborative efforts in agricultural extension. He stressed the necessity of organizing such programs to foster knowledge sharing and build the capacity of extension functionaries to meet emerging agricultural challenges.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Ajay Kumar from EEI Nilokheri and Professor Farhanaz Rasool from the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir. Speaking at the inaugural session, Professor Purshottam Singh welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for their involvement in the program.

The opening day concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rusheeba Manzoor, who acknowledged the contributions of organizers, speakers, and participants in making the event a success.

The program, running until January 31, 2025, features interactive workshops, discussions, and hands-on training sessions. These activities are designed to enhance the professional skills of extension workers and encourage the adoption of participatory extension models that prioritize community engagement and localized solutions.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the extension services in the region, providing a robust platform for addressing agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable farming practices. Participants from across various districts are attending the program, which aims to bring transformative changes to agricultural extension for the benefit of farmers and rural communities.