BANDIPORA, MAY 21: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bandipora-1 today hosted Swami Suryanil, Chairperson, Total Start Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Developers (TSEED), during his visit to the Kendra where he interacted with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), tribal farmers, Agri entrepreneurs and rural youth regarding entrepreneurship development, sustainable agriculture and livelihood generation.
The visit was organised to promote entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural areas and create awareness among farmers regarding value addition, Agri based enterprises, market linkages and innovative farming models for sustainable income generation.
During the interaction programme, Swami Suryanil held discussions with FPO members, tribal farmer entrepreneurs and young Agri innovators on opportunities related to entrepreneurship, branding, collective marketing and rural enterprise development. He emphasized the need for promoting community driven entrepreneurial models for strengthening rural economies and enhancing farmers’ income.
The visiting expert appreciated the innovative initiatives and demonstration units established at KVK Bandipora-1, particularly in the areas of Natural Farming, protected cultivation, integrated farming systems and vegetable cultivation. He also visited various demonstration units, lotus cultivation areas and Natural Farming based crop models established at the KVK.
Swami Suryanil highlighted the importance of integrating innovation and entrepreneurship with agriculture for developing resilient and self-sustainable farming systems. He encouraged farmers and rural youth to explore opportunities in value addition, food processing and Agri based enterprises.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Head KVK Bandipora-1, briefed regarding various extension, training and farmer welfare initiatives being undertaken by the KVK. He highlighted the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in promoting scientific agriculture, entrepreneurship development and sustainable livelihood opportunities among farming communities.
Dr. Tahir Saleem, SMS Vegetable Science, KVK Bandipora-1, provided an overview of the vegetable based demonstration units and protected cultivation technologies established at the KVK. He highlighted the importance of scientific crop management and climate resilient vegetable production practices for improving productivity and farmers’ income.
Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator Upscaling Collectivization, JKCIP, also interacted with FPO members, tribal farmers and rural entrepreneurs regarding collective farming approaches, farmer institutional development and sustainable livelihood opportunities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening farmer collectives, market linkages and community based agricultural enterprises for improving rural economy and farmers’ income.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion and field visit aimed at strengthening collaboration for promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable agricultural development in the district.
