JAMMU: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) today formally announced the organization of the Agriculture Summit & Kisan Mela 2026, scheduled to be held from 11th to 13th February 2026 at the University’s Main Campus, Chatha.
Addressing the media, the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu, Prof. B. N. Tripathi informed that the three-day mega event will be organized with the overarching theme “AI-enabled Advanced Agriculture.” He said that the summit aims to bring together all major stakeholders associated with agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, rural development, agri-linked industries, startups, researchers, extension professionals and farmers on a common platform.
Prof. Tripathi highlighted that the summit will place special emphasis on artificial intelligence based smart technologies, data-driven decision support systems, precision agriculture, climate-smart practices and digital innovations. He added that the event will serve as a unique interface between farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and policy makers to promote research–extension–industry convergence and foster innovation in the agricultural sector.
The Vice-Chancellor further informed that the three-day programme will feature expert sessions on improved crop varieties, modern farm machinery, organic and natural farming, entrepreneurship and startup models, value addition and market linkages. Special attractions of the event will include farmer–scientist interactions, live demonstrations of advanced technologies, entrepreneurship workshops, dedicated programmes for women and young farmers and felicitation of progressive farmers.
Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu, while briefing the media, stated that the Kisan Mela component of the event will provide a vibrant platform for farmers to directly interact with scientists and technology providers, witness live demonstrations of new tools and techniques and access information on government schemes and agribusiness opportunities. He added that stalls of various departments, agri-input companies, FPOs, SHGs, startups and partner organizations will also be a major attraction.
It was informed that the Agriculture Summit & Kisan Mela 2026 is being organized in collaboration with the Agriculture Production Department, J&K; Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Jammu; Department of Horticulture, Jammu; Department of Floriculture, Jammu; Department of Animal Husbandry, Jammu; Department of Sheep Husbandry, Jammu; Department of Fisheries, Jammu; Jammu & Kashmir Farmers Advisory Board; NABARD, Jammu; Forest Department, Jammu; Directorate of School Education, J&K; Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; IFFCO, Jammu and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, among others.
On the occasion, the brochure of the Agriculture Summit & Kisan Mela 2026 was also formally released, outlining the theme, programme highlights, registration details and participation modalities for farmers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
All the statutory officers of the University were also present on the occasion. Among others, Dr. Vinod Gupta, Dr. Punit Choudhary, Dr. Pawan Sharma, Dr. Anil Bhat and Dr. Vijay K. Sharma were present and coordinated the event.
The speakers appealed to farmers, entrepreneurs, students and all stakeholders to actively participate in the event and take advantage of this mega platform for knowledge enhancement, capacity building and networking.
The interaction concluded with a question–answer session with media persons, during which detailed queries regarding registration, stall booking, programme schedule and logistics were addressed.