Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Nov 11 (JKNS): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam organised a one-day training and awareness programme on natural farming at Iskanderpora, Beerwah, Budgam, under the directions of the Directorate of Extension, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), to highlight the importance and need for adopting natural farming practices.
The programme aimed to promote natural farming, create awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices, and provide essential information regarding the judicious and appropriate use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.
On the occasion, farmers associated with different cluster groups of the area were provided with scientific information and necessary training by experts and scientists from KVK Budgam. During the programme, scientist Shabir Ahmad spoke in detail about various aspects of natural farming and guided farmers on adopting environment-friendly agricultural practices in their fields.
The scientists also provided guidance on the careful use of fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals. Emphasising the importance of maintaining soil health for better agricultural productivity, they advised farmers to cultivate crops according to the nature and health of their soil to ensure sustainable farming and improved crop yields.
Furthermore, farmers were encouraged to adopt organic and natural farming practices by following the guidelines of the Agriculture Department and scientific recommendations issued by agricultural universities. The experts explained that reducing the unnecessary use of chemical substances and adopting scientific farming methods can help produce healthier and better-quality crops while minimising potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.
The participating farmers appreciated the efforts of KVK Budgam and said that such training and awareness programmes are highly beneficial for the farming community. They observed that direct interaction with agricultural scientists and receiving scientific guidance helps farmers address agricultural challenges, protect crops against diseases, improve productivity and strengthen their sources of income.
The farmers also appreciated KVK Budgam’s initiative of providing scientific knowledge at the grassroots level and expressed hope that such programmes would be organised regularly every month to create greater awareness about natural and organic farming.
They emphasised that continuous guidance from agricultural scientists would encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector.
