2-day Natural Farming workshop begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, July 22: A two-day 'Review cum Awareness Workshop on Natural Farming' commenced on July 22, at the main campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in Shalimar, Srinagar.

The event is jointly organised by ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone 1, Ludhiana, and SKUAST-K.

Prominent attendees included Dr U.S. Gautam, DDG Extension ICAR New Delhi, as Chief Guest; Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, as Guest of Honour; and Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah, former Vice-Chancellor, AAU Johrat. Also present were Dr. Parvinder Sheiron, Director ATARI Zone 1, Ludhiana; Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Registrar SKUAST-K; and heads of 42 KVKs from ATARI Zone 1.

Dr Gautam emphasized the crucial role of KVKs in promoting Natural Farming and called for impact studies on related activities. He stressed the need for behavioral changes in farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as well as upscaling capabilities of Subject Matter Specialists.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ganai highlighted Natural Farming's potential to address environmental concerns, improve soil health, and enhance resilience against climate change. He proposed including SKUAST-K research stations under ICAR ATARI's Natural Farming initiatives.

Dr Bujarbaruah emphasized the importance of synergy between research stations, KVKs, and development departments, advocating for the use of Information Communication Technology in promoting Natural Farming.

Dr Parvender Sheiron, Director ATARI Zone-1, reported that Natural Farming now covers 6 million hectares, engaging 2 million farmers nationwide. Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, Nodal Officer NF, ICAR ATARI Ludhiana, discussed the National Mission on Natural Farming and its implementation strategies.

The event also saw the release of three publications by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.