Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora today organized a mega awareness camp cum sensitization programme on Natural Farming under Jan Abhiyan at Potushaya Campus.Farmers, farm women, rural youth and young entrepreneurs from different villages of the district participated in the event.
Stalls were installed by the Kendra, line departments, progressive farmers and young entrepreneurs showcasing achievements and latest technologies.On the occasion, Farmer-Scientist interaction was also held during which experts from KVK and line departments discussed the benefits of Natural Farming and the initiatives of the government and university in this direction.
Chief guest of the programme, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir appreciated young entrepreneurs Misbah (Kosher Mithas Brand) and Muzzamil Akhoon (Exotic Vegetable Grower) for their dedication and hard work and assured every possible support from university in expansion and promotion of their enterprises.
He said that cohesive and result oriented efforts should be made from all the line departments and Kendra for enhancing the income of farmers. Speaking on the occasion, Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir Professor Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi briefed the audience about Natural Farming and its healthy effects on the environment.
Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Afsar Ali Khan said that health of people in general is deteriorating and farmers of the district should adopt Natural Farming.Officers of the line departments viz., Chief Agriculture officer Bandipora, Yahya Makhdoomi; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr. G.A.Lone; Chief Horticulture Officer, Farooq Ahmad Tantray; Deputy Director Sericulture, Manzoor Ahmad Sofi; Subject Matter Specialist Horticulture Department, Shakeel-ur-Rehman; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Dr Showkat also interacted with the participants.
Block Development Council Arin Chairman, Gh Rasool Khan also participated in the event.Dr Tariq Sultan Programme Coordinator KVK Bandipora highlighted the institute’s contributions in the transfer of technologies and skill development of rural youth in the district and stressed upon the need to adopt Natural Farming principles and practices on the field.
Earlier in the event, Dr Tahir Saleem, Subject Matter Specialist explained in detail Natural farming and its principles.