SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated GON’GUL-2026, the 11th edition of the prestigious AgriTech Mela, at the Shalimar Campus of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
Accompanied by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javaid Ahmad Dar, the Chief Minister inspected over 100 stalls featuring cutting-edge startups and student-led innovations designed to revolutionize the region’s agrarian landscape.
Under the theme “NextGen Agriculture: My Produce–My Price,” the three-day event serves as a vital bridge between scientific research and field application, attracting a diverse audience of progressive farmers, youth innovators, and agri-entrepreneurs from across the Kashmir valley.
During his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the collaborative efforts of scientists, researchers, and growers in modernizing the agricultural and horticultural sectors of Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that for the region’s produce to compete on a global scale, there must be a dual focus on enhancing both quality and quantity through the adoption of organic farming and advanced technological interventions.
Highlighting the pivotal roles of SKUAST-K and SKUAST Jammu, the Chief Minister noted that these institutions are the backbone of the rural economy, providing the necessary research, value addition, and market linkage strategies required to ensure sustainable income and economic growth for local farmers.
The Chief Minister specifically lauded the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the agricultural sector, expressing his appreciation for student-led technological solutions in irrigation and crop management. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural ecosystem by promoting branding and modern practices that empower farmers to dictate fair prices for their produce.
By providing a platform like GON’GUL, the administration aims to nurture the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs and ensure that Jammu & Kashmir remains a leader in sustainable and innovation-led agriculture.
