Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) Kashmir on Thursday inaugurated two ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’ based model walnut processing units in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The walnut processing units under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) sponsored project were inaugurated at Zihhama and Lolab in the district. Earlier, people of the area used traditional methods for walnut processing which was laborious and tiresome.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie inaugurated the units and said it is a big breakthrough in the progress of “One District One Product initiative”.

He said that Kupwara has been designated as the walnut-producing district and establishment of Walnut Processing Units is a step forward to achieve this goal. 

Prof. Ganie said that the installation of both the units which comprised walnut dehulling-cum-washer, solar tunnel dryer, cracker, grader and vacuum packaging would ensure value addition of the walnut, which would be a landmark in the export of Kashmir walnut to the different parts of the country. 

The Vice-Chancellor urged the farmers to gain more and more knowledge by getting associated with the SKUAST-K to take advantage of training imparted by varsity regarding pre and post-harvest management of horticulture crops with special emphasis on walnut to get more benefits from the minimum available land.

He also said that dwarf-grafted walnut nurseries would be established in future to get rid of accidents that occur during harvesting of the crop.

At the end of his speech, the Vice Chancellor ensured all technical support to the farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kupwara.

Director extension briefed about the role of KVKs and extension in the dissemination of technologies and also impressed upon making FPO’s with respect to walnut.

Prof. Zameer Ahmad, who is the principal investigator of the project, gave a detailed review of the program.

Officials informed that processing walnuts in model walnut processing units can help to overcome the drudgery, boredom and other constraints associated with manual walnut processing.

These walnut processing units will serve as a benchmark for establishment of modern walnut processing units in Jammu and Kashmir.

They informed that processing walnuts on scientific lines will add cosmetic value to walnuts and such walnuts can fetch higher prices which can lead to a stable rural economy and vibrant walnut Industry in J&K.

“Scientifically processed walnuts can compete with the walnuts of California and China in national and international markets, which will help to put J&K on the walnut export map,” the official said.

The other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Dean faculty of Agriculture Prof. Rehana Habib Kant, Head division of FST SKUAST Kashmir Prof. Zameer Ahmad, senior Scientist, head KVK Kupwara Dr Kaiser Mohiuddin Malik, DDC member Sogam Nasir Wani, SDM Trehgam, SDM Sogam, Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara, scientists of KVK Kupwara and FST Division, Shalimar.