Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, November 12: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam, a constituent unit of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), organised its second awareness and training programme on natural farming at Zabgulla, Beerwah, under the newly established natural farming clusters in Budgam district.
The programme was organised under the directions of the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, with the objective of educating farmers about the concept, importance and practical implementation of natural farming, while encouraging them to adopt sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices.
Notably, this was the second training programme organised by KVK Budgam under the newly formed natural farming clusters. The first programme was held at Iskanderpora, Beerwah, while the second was conducted at Zabgulla.
Under the initiative, two villages, Zabgulla and Hanjoora Guru, have been selected from Zoonigam Zone, which comprises a total of 22 villages. The two villages have been identified as part of the initial efforts to establish natural farming clusters and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the area.
During the programme, Scientist Shabir Ahmad spoke in detail about various aspects of natural farming, its basic principles and practical methods of implementation. He educated farmers about reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides and adopting environment-friendly techniques to maintain soil health and improve agricultural productivity.
Dr Kavita Rani, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Animal Science, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of scientific livestock management and improved animal husbandry practices in strengthening sustainable farming systems.
The experts emphasised the importance of maintaining soil health and encouraged farmers to adopt agricultural practices based on scientific recommendations. They also motivated farmers to gradually shift towards natural farming in vegetable cultivation, fruit production and other agricultural activities.
As part of the initiative, KVK Budgam will initially provide five days of training to newly appointed Krishi Sakhis to equip them with the necessary knowledge and practical skills related to natural farming.
After completing their training, the Krishi Sakhis will help disseminate scientific knowledge and natural farming techniques among 125 farmers registered under the newly established cluster. These farmers will receive guidance and support to gradually adopt natural farming practices in their fields and agricultural activities.
The initiative is expected to create a demonstration effect, encouraging farmers from neighbouring villages to adopt similar practices after observing the benefits and results of natural farming in the selected villages.
KVK Budgam plans to organise training and awareness programmes throughout the year to ensure continuous scientific guidance and technical support for farmers. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots-level agricultural awareness and promote sustainable farming practices across the district.
The participating farmers appreciated the efforts of KVK Budgam and expressed hope that such training programmes would continue regularly, enabling the farming community to acquire scientific knowledge, improve agricultural practices and enhance their livelihoods.
