Srinagar, April 18:Two Comprehensive training programmes on Natural Farming were inaugurated today at the Directorate of Extension/SAMETI, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), aimed at equipping KVK Scientists, State and District Officials, and Farmer Master Trainers from the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir with sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
Organized under the Centre of Natural Farming at SKUAST-K in collaboration with MANAGE, Hyderabad, Department of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the programmes will run from April 17 to 20, 2025, under the National Mission on Natural Farming.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Praising the Directorate of Extension’s efforts to mainstream natural farming, Prof. Ganai described Ladakh as "Naturally Natural," and highlighted its potential to emerge as a model region for ecologically sustainable agriculture. He stressed the need to preserve Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem while ensuring food and livelihood security through natural farming.
Underscoring the role of technology in agriculture, Prof. Ganai urged district officials to develop a mobile application to maintain a detailed crop chronology database of farm families practising natural farming in Ladakh. He assured full institutional support to the UT in aligning its agri-allied sectors with modern, sustainable practices.
In her welcome address, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension/SAMETI, provided a comprehensive overview of natural farming, highlighting its relevance to Ladakh’s unique agro-climatic conditions. She emphasized the importance of capacity building at the grassroots level through such training.
The programme includes interactive sessions, field visits to natural farming sites, and practical training on bio-input preparation. Participants include scientists from the Directorate of Extension, experts, officials from Leh and Kargil, and Farmer Master Trainers, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience.
These trainings signify a pivotal move toward promoting low-input, resilient, and eco-friendly agriculture in the Himalayan region.
Comment List