Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 7: Aiming to increase the cultivation of niche crops and promote them among the farming community, 15 quintals of shallot seed-locally known as ‘praan’-were distributed today to farmers from different districts under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
Experts noted that shallot cultivation is largely confined to Bandipora district, and by providing seeds to farmers from other districts, they aim to assess its cultivation viability in new areas.
The distribution ceremony was held at the Research Station Seed and Spice Park in Dusoo, Pampore.
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Allaie, Head of the Research Station, told Excelsior that once the viability is established, the next step would be to ensure mass cultivation of shallots.
“The primary goal of bringing farmers from various districts here is to determine if shallots can be cultivated beyond Bandipora. If successful, we will scale up production, which could eventually lead to exports, thereby benefiting the farmers,” he said.
Shallots, a key ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine, are a type of onion from the amaryllis family.
They are mildly aromatic and often used to flavor food, especially meats and sauces. In Kashmir, the finest shallots come from Bandipora, where the climate imparts a rich flavor and taste.
Farmers from Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Srinagar participated in the seed distribution under the project “Promotion of Niche Crops.”
These niche crops include saffron, shallots, kala zeera, mushk budej, red rice, and chillies.
The distribution of shallot seeds under the HADP is being seen as a significant step toward promoting high-value niche crops in Jammu and Kashmir.
Joint Director of Agriculture, Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, said over 15 quintals of free shallot seeds were provided to farmers to encourage them to grow the crop and reap its benefits.
“Experts are also introducing advanced technology to farmers to boost production. The aim is to promote these high-value crops while simultaneously increasing farmers’ incomes,” he said.
Another farmer, Nazim Ahmad, highlighted the importance of Government support in initiatives like these.
“Providing farmers with the necessary guidance and resources is crucial for enabling them to adopt these high-value crops. Initially, cultivation can start on a small scale and gradually expand. Continued Government assistance is key to making this initiative successful,” he said.
Local farmers welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, recognizing its potential to transform livelihoods.
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