A Significant Initiative to Promote Natural Farming
Budgam, April 23: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam, under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, and in collaboration with the TSP-ICAR project titled “Promotion of Natural Farming among Tribal Farmers of Kashmir,” successfully organized a comprehensive training and input distribution programme for tribal farmers.
The programme was conducted for farmers from Tral and Sangermal areas of Pulwama district. The initiative aimed to empower tribal farmers by providing high-quality agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable livelihoods through natural farming practices.
The event was presided over by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, who also attended as the chief guest. Other distinguished participants included Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Professor & Head, ETC & KVK Pulwama, along with scientists from various KVKs.
In her keynote address, Prof. Raihana highlighted SKUAST-Kashmir’s continued efforts towards the upliftment of farming communities. She emphasized the crucial role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and strengthening livelihood security. She stated that KVKs are playing a transformative role by introducing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring timely access to quality inputs.
Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, in his address, elaborated on the objectives of the Tribal Sub Plan and underscored the commitment of ICAR and SKUAST-Kashmir to improving the livelihoods of tribal communities through location-specific technologies, capacity building, and input support. He urged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices and make effective use of the resources provided.
During the training sessions, Dr. Shazia Ramzan (PI of the project) and Dr. Shabir Ahmad (Co-PI), KVK Budgam, delivered detailed sessions on the importance of natural farming, its principles, practices, and strategies for climate-smart agriculture.
A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of essential items such as drums, buckets, shoes, and gloves among participating farmers to support the adoption of natural farming in their fields.
The programme concluded with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal farmers in the region.
