The School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), SKUAST-Jammu, organized a ‘Lab to Land’ Farmers Awareness Program to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming techniques. This initiative was conducted under the Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) activity and was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the Core Research Grant (CRG) of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). The program aimed to introduce farmers to innovative biotechnological solutions that could enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, who highlighted the school’s ongoing research projects funded by various scientific agencies such as DBT and DST. She emphasized the role of biotechnology in modernizing agriculture and contributing to the Viksit Bharat mission. Prof. Kaul also spoke about the School’s research on crops of economic importance, such as saffron, apple, walnut, and medicinal plants. She specifically discussed an initiative by the School of Biotechnology to cultivate saffron in non-traditional areas of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to expand its production and economic impact.

Prof. Jyoti Vakhlu, the event’s organizer, elaborated on how the awareness program was part of the SSR activity under her CRG-SERB-DST-funded research project. She introduced two innovative in-house developed technologies from the Metagenomics Laboratory that have the potential to significantly benefit farmers. The first is a bacteria-based biofertilizer, which has been successfully tested on saffron, garlic, and potato crops, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. The second is a point-of-care, gadget-free diagnostic kit designed for the early detection of fungal pathogens in agricultural fields. This user-friendly kit enables farmers to detect pathogens through a simple color-change mechanism, allowing them to take timely preventive measures before sowing, thereby reducing crop losses.

Dr. Amitesh Sharma, Senior Scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra SKUAST-Jammu, shared insights into modern agricultural advancements that could enhance farmers' efficiency and profitability. He spoke about drone-based irrigation technology, which can cover an acre of farmland in just 8-10 minutes, significantly reducing labor and water usage. He also discussed developments in ornamental fish breeding, seed multiplication centers, vermicomposting units, mushroom farming, and various training programs available for farmers and local communities. His session provided valuable knowledge on how technological innovations are transforming agriculture.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Yashpal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Jammu, emphasized the significance of SSR activities in bringing scientific breakthroughs directly to the farming community. Recognizing that farmers possess deep-rooted knowledge and expertise in agriculture, he conducted his session in Dogri, making it more relatable and accessible to the audience. His initiative was met with great appreciation from the farmers. He also introduced an agricultural glossary in Hindi-English-Dogri, designed to help farmers understand various plant diseases and their causative agents.

Prof. Sharma further highlighted the biofertilizer’s benefits, explaining how its application in crops like garlic, potato, and saffron can serve as a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, thereby boosting the local economy. He also discussed the fast-track pathogen detection kit, which helps farmers identify harmful pathogens at an early stage, reducing the need for excessive pesticide use. By allowing farmers to make informed and timely decisions, this innovative technology has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce input costs.

As part of the program, farmers were given a live demonstration on using the biofertilizer by Mr. Tahir Ali, Research Scholar, and Dr. Nancy Bhagat, Research Associate, School of Biotechnology. Their practical demonstration helped farmers understand how to integrate the technology into their agricultural practices effectively. The event was conducted by Ms. Shallu Changotra, PhD Scholar, University of Jammu, while the formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Nancy Bhagat.