Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah Kupwara: Agriculture is the biggest source of income and provides livelihood for almost 70 % of Indians. However, it often places significant damages to natural resources and the environment. Thus, Sustainable agricultural practices are intended to protect the environment, expand the Earth’s natural resource base, maintain and improve soil fertility. These practices result in protection of the environment and expansion of the natural resources supply. In addition, sustainment of the economic viability of agriculture systems increases many folds. In Tangdhar, majority of population depend on Agriculture for food supply. Keeping this in mind Indian Army and Agricultural Dept of Karnah in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar- DST Govt of India and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology organised a workshop for Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Bioresource Management. The programme was especially focused on the Scheduled Tribe community of Karnah region of Kupwara District, for which a team of Scientists from Seed Division-DST Delhi carried out a holistic interaction over the duration of 2 days at Youth Centre Tangdhar. The event was graced by the Prof Nazir Ahmed- Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir along other faculty members and local forest department representatives. The keynote speakers emphasised upon the Socio Economic Upliftment of Scheduled Tribes and Horticultural practices for Sustainable Development. The Vice Chancellor- SKUAST- Kashmir appreciated the efforts of Indian Army in enhancement of livelihood of farmers in the remote border area. The event was concluded with distribution of farming kit, hybrid walnut plants, green house nursery setup, ornamental plants and seeds to 400 beneficiaries of the Karnah region.