BUDGAM, APRIL 15: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai in collaboration with TSP ICAR organized awareness cum input distribution programme under the Project entitled “Promotion of natural farming in tribal areas of Kashmir”.
Tribal farmers of village Surasyar Chadoora, received inputs like drums, buckets, gloves and shoes for preparation of bio-resource inputs for Natural Farming. Scientists and technical staff of KVK Budgam also attended the awareness programme.
Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension SKUAST-K, who was chief guest on the occasion, emphasized the importance of adopting innovative, climate-resilient, and sustainable agricultural technologies. She urged tribal farmers to maintain regular contact with KVK scientists and field officers to ensure proper technical guidance and maximize the benefits of government-supported schemes. She also spoke about the status, scope, challenges, and imperativeness of Natural Farming in Kashmir. She explained the dynamics of water, soil, and climate while terming Natural Farming as the ‘Farming of Microbes’.
Prof Raihana Habib Kanth stressed the importance of minimum/ zero tillage or conservation agriculture to ensure better Natural Farming. She urged the participating scientists and farmers to dig deeper into the understanding of biotic and abiotic developments in the farms practicing Natural Farming. She also briefed the farmers about the role of SKUAST-K in augmenting research in agriculture to facilitate the farming community in the valley.
Head KVK Budgam Dr. Bilal Ahmad Lone briefed the tribal farmers about the role of KVKs in facilitating agriculture and allied activities in the district through on farm trials, front line demonstrations and skill-based training/ awareness programmes. He encouraged the farmers to avail the services of the Kendra for more profitable farming.
The programme was marked by interactive sessions, showcasing of farming practices, and a strong emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship in the agricultural and allied sectors.
Dr Shazia Ramzan briefed about the activities and progress of the Natural Farming project implemented in district. She emphasized the need for a clear strategy and vision that is necessary for popularizing Natural Farming. She emphasised working in tandem with all the stakeholders for better implementation and generating empirical data. She also highlighted the need to develop mechanisms to ensure the proper market for the produce of Natural Farming.