BUDGAM, APRIL 23: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and in collaboration with the TSP-ICAR project ‘Promotion of Natural Farming in Tribal farmers of Kashmir’ successfully conducted a comprehensive training and input distribution programme to tribal farmers belonging to villages Tral and Sangerwani of district Pulwama.
The initiative, as per an official statement, was designed to empower tribal farmers by equipping them with high-quality inputs to boost productivity and ensure sustainable livelihoods through Natural Farming practises.
The programme was presided over by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, who was the chief guest on the occasion besides Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Professor & Head, ETC & KVK Pulwama and Scientists from both KVK’s were also present.
In her address, Prof. Raihana highlighted SKUAST-Kashmir’s continued efforts towards the upliftment of tribal farming communities. She emphasized the critical role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and improving livelihood security. She added that KVK’s are playing a pivotal role in transforming the lives of tribal farmers by introducing innovative, sustainable practices and providing timely access to quality agricultural inputs. She stressed on the importance of adopting scientific practices for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and improving rural livelihoods.
Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Head, ETC & KVK Pulwama in his address highlighted the objectives of the Tribal Sub Plan, emphasizing the commitment of ICAR and SKUAST-Kashmir towards improving the livelihoods of tribal farming communities through location-specific technologies, capacity building and input support. He urged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices and make the best use of the inputs provided. He also outlined the Kendra’s mission to advance sustainable farming and enhance access to technology for marginalized communities.
During training sessions Dr. Shazia Ramzan (PI of project) and Dr. Shabeer Ahmad Ganie (Co-PI of project), KVK Budgam covered various topics like need and importance of Natural Farming, pillars and practises of Natural Farming and strategies for climate-smart agriculture.
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of inputs like drums, buckets, shoes, gloves etc., to participating tribal farmers for practising Natural Farming on their fields.
