Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 26: Driving the vision of innovation-led agriculture and rural empowerment, a 5-day training and sensitization programme on “Soil Health Management and Exotic Crop Cultivation” commenced at the Industrial Biotech Park, Gathi, Kathua.
The high-impact initiative has been organized by Rapture Biotech, J&K, in active collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science and Technology, J&K.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Babila Rakwal, Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department, J&K, who attended as the chief guest. The event also witnessed the presence of Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat, Additional Director, JKSTIC, alongside guest of honour Vishal Mahajan, Chief Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kathua.
In her inaugural address, Babila Rakwal emphasized the necessity of integrating science-driven solutions into farming to enhance soil vitality and boost rural economies. She actively interacted with local farmers and village Sarpanches, listening closely to their ground-level queries and promising continuous administrative support for skill development.
Ambika Slathia, Director of Rapture Biotech Jammu, highlighted that the core objective of this initiative is to introduce sustainable biotechnology tools and modern economic avenues to the region. She briefed the gathering on the extensive technical curriculum of the 5-day schedule, which focuses directly on why exotic crops, aromatic plants, and medicinal plants are necessary for modern agriculture. She also highlighted how cultivating these high-value crops boost local promotion, generates rural employment, and opens up lucrative import-export opportunities for J&K’s farming community.
Key coordinating officials present on the occasion included Accounts Officer Ishita Choudhary and Astt Director Shruti Khanna.
A standout highlight of the session was the overwhelming and enthusiastic participation of women farmers from Jammu and Kathua.
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