National programme on natural farming begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Dec 23: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Saturday kick-started a 10-day national programme on natural farming along with Kissan Samman Diwas at Shalimar campus.

A statement said that SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Extension organised a series of programs under the World Bank-ICAR-funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP). A certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management for Input Dealers, Agri Clinics and Agri Business Program and a training programme on commissioning and operation of Krishi Radio also commenced on Saturday.

Deputy Director General, Agriculture Extension, ICAR, Dr Udham Singh Gautam, who was the chief guest at the occasion, thanked the SKUAST-K for organising such an event wherein the farmers, entrepreneurs and scientists across different states of the country are participating. He said it is important to change the mindset of the farmer from being a domestic farmer to a commercial farmer. To boost the farming community, a meeting of millionaire and billionaire farmers was recently held in New Delhi and there are plans to host such events regularly to showcase the progressive farmers. He said he was impressed by the farmers of the valley who not only are educated but have excelled in different enterprises.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai impressed upon all the stakeholders to think differently to feed the increasing population with the shrinking land. “We not only have to increase the production and productivity but at the same time, we have to be sustainable with due care of our soil health. We have changed our ideology of calling our farmers as marginal or poor to champion farmers and are converting our students into future leaders and entrepreneurs,” he said.