BANDIPORA, MAY 20: Under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir and the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bandipora-1 today hosted scientists and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs) during the ongoing Four-Day Training Programme on Natural Farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
The programme has been organised to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of KVK Scientists and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs) in various aspects of Natural Farming including preparation of natural inputs, soil health management, eco-friendly pest management and sustainable extension strategies.
Scientists and participants from SKUAST-Kashmir and SKUAST-Jammu visited and inspected various Natural Farming demonstration units established at KVK Bandipora-1.
The field visit focused on practical learning and exposure regarding sustainable and low input farming practices being promoted by the KVK.
During the visit, participants were taken to different demonstration plots under Natural Farming including the Walnut Demonstration Plot, Lotus Demonstration Plot and Stone Fruit Based Natural Farming Demonstration Plot integrated with Vegetable Crops.
The demonstrations highlighted the importance of integrated farming systems for improving soil health, conserving natural resources and reducing dependency on chemical inputs.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Head KVK Bandipora-1, welcomed the visiting scientists, experts and Field Management Teams and highlighted the importance of Natural Farming in achieving sustainable agricultural development. He demonstrated different Natural Farming models established at the KVK and briefed the participants regarding various farmer oriented extension activities being undertaken by the institution. He emphasized the need for promoting chemical free and environmentally sustainable farming practices for improving soil fertility, farm profitability and livelihood security of farmers.
The programme also included practical demonstrations on preparation and application of the basic components of Natural Farming including Jeevamrut, Beejamrut, Acchadana and Whapasa. Scientists explained the role of these natural formulations in enhancing soil microbial activity, nutrient management and natural crop protection.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Tahir Saleem, SMS Vegetable Science, deliberated on crop management practices under Natural Farming systems. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Mir, SMS Animal Science, highlighted the importance of indigenous livestock and cow based formulations in Natural Farming.
Likewise, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Zargar, SMS Agri Extension, emphasized the role of extension services, farmer awareness and field demonstrations in scaling up Natural Farming initiatives. Shabnum Mumtaz, SMS Entomology, sensitized participants regarding eco-friendly pest management practices and biological methods for sustainable insect control.
The visiting scientists appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora-1 in promoting Natural Farming through practical demonstrations and farmer oriented extension activities.
Participants actively interacted with the experts and expressed keen interest in promoting Natural Farming technologies among farming communities.
The programme concluded with an interactive session and field visit to various Natural Farming demonstration units established at KVK Bandipora-1 under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
