SKUAST-K to hold 11th AgriTech Mela ‘Gongul’ at Shalimar from Feb 14
Srinagar, Jan 15, KNT: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir will organise the 11th edition of its flagship AgriTech Mela, titled “Gongul – Onset of Sowing”, at its Shalimar campus from February 14 to 16, 2026.
According to details issued by the Directorate of Extension, the three-day event will be held under the theme “NextGen Agriculture: My Produce – My Price”, with the objective of promoting innovation, technology adoption, and market-oriented farming among growers.
The AgriTech Mela will feature a wide range of exhibitions and thematic shows, including Startup and Technology Show, Industry Exhibition, Organic and Natural Farming Show, Fruit, Vegetable, Flower and Seed Shows, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Show, Mushroom Show, and Planting Material Show.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is a premier government agricultural university based in Shalimar, Srinagar, established in 1982 to advance education, research and extension services in agriculture and allied sectors.
The university operates as a multi-campus institution with faculties and research centres spread across Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, including campuses at Wadura (Agriculture), Shuhama (Veterinary Sciences) and Shalimar (Horticulture and main campus).
SKUAST-K plays a key role in supporting the region’s agriculture-based economy by developing high-yield crop varieties, promoting horticulture, livestock management and introducing modern farming technologies suited to mountainous and temperate climates.
The university follows the land-grant model, integrating teaching, research and field extension, and has a network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across districts to transfer scientific knowledge to farmers.
Ranked among the top agricultural institutions in India, SKUAST-K is considered a central pillar of agricultural innovation and rural development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Special segments such as KVK Excellence Show, Animal and Plant Care Protection Show, Agri Art and Craft Show, Pet and Animal Show, Food Carnival, Smart Infrastructure Show, and Nutrition and Health Extension Show will also be part of the event.
The programme will include a Mega Farmer–Scientist Interaction, along with a Mega Buyer–Seller Meet and FPO Conclave, aimed at strengthening direct market linkages and knowledge exchange.
As per the announcement, stall facilities measuring 10×8 feet with basic amenities will be available. Stall charges have been fixed at Rs 20,000 for multinational and national companies, while sponsorship packages starting from Rs 50,000 and above will include stall space and advertisement.
The AgriTech Mela is being organized in the public interest by the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, to encourage sustainable agriculture, agribusiness development, and farmer entrepreneurship in the region. [KNT]
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![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
