Revival of heritage crop Buckwheat: Initiative & the way forward

This booklet highlights the significance of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) as a traditional heritage crop of Gurez Valley, a high-altitude Himalayan region with a short growing season and predominantly rainfed agriculture. Once an integral part of the valley's farming system, buckwheat cultivation declined due to changing food habits, subsidized cereals, and limited market opportunities despite its exceptional nutritional, ecological, and climate-resilient qualities. Recognizing its immense potential, KVK Gurez, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Srinagar, has launched a comprehensive initiative for the revival and promotion of buckwheat through quality seed distribution, farmer training, technological support, market linkages, and village adoption programmes. The success achieved in Dangan village demonstrates that buckwheat can enhance food and nutritional security, strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, improve farm incomes, and conserve the rich agricultural heritage of Gurez Valley. Farmer testimonials further reflect the positive impact of these interventions, while the booklet outlines KVK Gurez's commitment to expanding buckwheat cultivation across the valley for sustainable agricultural development.

Subject area

Agriculture

Language

English

Keywords

Buckwheat, Gurez, Revival, Heritage crop

People behind the work

Contributors

1. H

   Hilal Ahmad Malik

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

2. S

   Shahida Altaf

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

3. 

   Dr Jauhar RafeeqCorresponding

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

4. R

   Ravi Kumar

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

5. M

   Manzoor Ahmad Khatana

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

6. T

   Tanzeer Hussain Khan

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gurez

7. M

   Munazah Khalil

   MAR&ES Gurez

8. R

   Rafiya Hassan

   MAR&ES Gurez