ROLE OF ADAPTIVE RESEARCH IN AGRICULUTRE

Adaptive research in agriculture is imperative because it bridges the gap between high-level research and real-world farm needs, translating scientific findings into site-specific, farmer-friendly technologies that increase productivity, build resilience (especially against climate change), and improve livelihoods by involving farmers directly in the adaptation process. It guarantees that new solutions are pertinent, compatible, and efficient under distinct local conditions, moving beyond generic recommendations to contextually sound practices. 

• The Department of Agriculture, AJ&K was established in 1952 with prime focus to transform the substantive agriculture into innovative and economically viable farming in AJ&K. To adopt the recent interventions in agriculture sector “Training and Adaptive Research Unit (TARU)” was established in 1995 at Ghari Duppatta, Muzaffarabad. The focus area of this unit is to Adapt general research (e.g., new crop varieties, methods) to specific local agro-ecological zones, soil types, and socio-economic conditions. Bridging the gap by Connecting researchers with farmers and extension services, ensuring new technologies with knowledge based farmer centered solutions making agriculture more economical and sustainable.

This institution is actually serving as a bridge: on the one hand, there are research institutions where new techniques are evolved, here the goal of scientifically based adaptive research (i.e. testing agricultural research in local conditions) is to apply methods and technologies that have been successful elsewhere, they can be cultivated in the soil and climate of Azad Kashmir and recommendations can be verbalized as to which area of ​​Azad Kashmir is suitable for this intervention. When this research reaches practical fields, production increases and prosperity comes to the farmer’s home. This unit at Garhi Dupatta syndicates the both end and turns “knowledge into action”. In addition, its main objective is not only to provide practical training to the department’s officers and field staff, but also to directly eavesdrop to the problems of the farmers and articulate actionable recommendations to solve them.

This section conducts experimental trials on crops, vegetables and fruits to develop guidelines that lead the farmer towards better production. In addition, training sessions on various recent innovations in the field of agriculture are also being organized at TARU to equip agricultural staff and farmers, which aim to familiarize them with modern agricultural techniques for improved farm production.

This section was at its peak in the late 90s when experimental trials were conducted all over the AJ&K. also the support of various International Organizations like Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) was available for research work. Over the time, lack of departmental consideration severely affected the activities of this section. From last year, the department of agriculture weigh the importance of adaptive research and re-alien the objectives of “Training and Adaptive Research Unit” with expanded scope of agricultural research activities and targets. New targets have been set for the institution in line with the modern agriculture under practice in various research institutions and corporate sector in Pakistan. Along with this, preparation of annual work plan and training sessions for officer’s/field staff of the Department of Agriculture was also started. In which, apart from agricultural research institutions, multi-national companies working in the corporate sector were also engaged.

TARU is not alone in in performing of all activities, leading research institutions of Pakistan are also partners of this section. These institutions include the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Islamabad, Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera (KPK), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad, Rice Research Institute (RRI) Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore and University of Agriculture (UAF) Faisalabad. In addition, the corporate sector working in the agricultural research is also supporting it.

Experimental Trials on various crops/vegetables are underway at the Adaptive Research Farm during Rabi and Kharif seasons and reports are being prepared according to the findings for guidance of extension staff of agriculture department. Traditional crops (wheat, maize), saffron cultivation/experiments on pulses cultivation and cultivation of important crops like ginger and soybean have been successfully cultivated at ADR farm. Each activity carried out at Training and Adaptive Research Unit is performed on specific objectives and results in a consistent manner. For example, the activity for the preparation of organic fertilizer on the farm has been under process. The aim of which is not only to prepare compost but also to compare the use of organic and chemical fertilizers and their effects on production in vegetables. While the successful cultivation of ginger is not only about to growing the crop, but also increasing its cultivation in the future and providing seeds to progressive landowners is also an important goal and introduction of ginger as new intervention in AJ&K. Similarly, the aim of cash crop cultivation like soybeans is not just to measure success but also to compare the fertility status of the land before and after the crop and its value addition procedure and importance. While performing all these experiments, all crop stages up to value addition are being monitored and the economic benefits to the landowners also be recorded. In addition, experiments are underway on alternative farming methods to combat challenges of climate change, including comparisons of agricultural cropping patterns such as Maize-Moong-Vegetables and Maize-Wheat.

The credit for this success goes to the experts who worked hard to transform this dream into a reality. The tireless efforts of the entire team, including Deputy Director Malik Muhammad Amirr, Imtiaz Hussain, Riaz Hussain Shah, Nasir Bashir Khan and Misbah Hassan, made it possible for a new era of innovation and research to begin at TARU, ultimately will contribute towards economically viable and sustainable agriculture development in AJ&K.