SKUAST-K, IICCI, ROOT2FRUIT signs MOU

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SRINAGAR: In an official gathering, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST), represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nazeer Ahmed, the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI), represented by its CEO and Secretary General, Claudio Maffioletti  and H. N. Agri Serve (P) Ltd. (Root2Fruit), represented by Khuram Shafi Mir, entered into an MoU on the 19th of June 2019, at the SKUAST here in Srinagar in area of promotion of High Density Orcharding System and other areas of mutual interest in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.  

The parties agreed to support skill development, knowledge exchange, technology transfer and facilitate market penetrations in India. They agreed to facilitate and promote awareness regarding the latest technologies in horticulture and orchard management among the state holders. The IICCI will conduct training activities and will further tie up with the state and central organizations. SKUAST-K, which has been working on high density plantations in the state for more than 10 years now will create enabling environment and provide area of expertise for demonstrations and popularizing the package of practices among farmers.

The H. N. Agri Serve will press in their expertise in the layout of the High Density plantation on the farmers field.  The project will function under the name II Frueteto – The Italian Orchard in Jammu and Kashmir, and will be promoted by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking on the occasion, The Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Professor Nazeer Ahmed  gave the detailed account of progress and prospects of this technology and emphasized the need for utilizing modern technology in the horticulture sector. He spoke about the benefits of this joint venture, and how he hopes that transfer of knowledge and technology from the pioneers in the field will revolutionize horticulture in Kashmir, and help the local farmers to match their peers across the world. He stated High Density plantation is a powerful technology which in coming years will usher in an economic boom in the state.

The founder of H N Agri Serve, Mir Khuram also spoke on the occasion and threw light on his vision for the future of horticulture in Kashmir. He described, in some detail, the way his organization has invested in the high-yield variety fruits, and how it has helped the farmers. Now, he intends to further this cause, for which this MoU will form a building block to accelerate the growth of Horticulture through this technology.

Claudio Maffioletti, the CEO of the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also spoke on the occasion and expressed how he wishes to inculcate the latest advancement in the horticulture industry, in this part of the globe. He also emphasized that the developed world has already moved towards High Density farming and it is an utmost necessity for others to adopt it as well.

He also highlighted the mission of IICC and strength and capacity the Italy has in the field of horticulture production technology, mechanization, post harvest processing and packaging, through the capacity building in these areas the date can be benefited.

Dean, Faculty of Horticulture emphasised the role of partnerships in developing horticulture sector in the Valley. He lauded the role of private enterprises in taking forward the technologies developed by the University to the doorsteps of the growers. He appreciated the initiative of the private sector and the government in creating conducive atmosphere and ease of doing business, for the development of the Horticulture in the State.

After the official signing of MoU, it was followed by plantation of “Good Luck Trees” in the University orchard. Post lunch session was organized wherein Italian experts spoke about new and advanced technologies to the progressive growers, scientists and students, particularly the high yielding and high quality fruit cultivars developed by Italy which could be highly useful in Kashmir.