Srinagar, July 22: Two day “Review cum Awareness Workshop on Natural Farming” jointly organised by ICAR- Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone 1, Ludhiana and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir got underway at the main campus SKUAST-K Shalimar Srinagar today on 22nd July, 2024.
The prominent attendees include the Chief Guest Dr US Guatam DDG Extension ICAR New Delhi, Guest of Honour Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Dr K M Bujarbaruah, former Vice-Chancellor, AAU Johrat, Dr Parvinder Sheiron, Director ATARI Zone 1, Ludhiana, Prof. T.H Masoodi, Registrar SKUASTK, Prof. R.H Kanth, Dean Agriculture FoA Wadura, Prof. Rafiq Shardar, Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, Nodal Officer Natural Farming ICAR ATARI Ludhiana, Heads of 42 KVK’s of ATARI Zone1 and scientists practising Natural Farming (NF).
The Chief Guest Dr. U.S. Gautam, appreciated the role of KVK’s in promoting Natural Farming in the country. He stressed upon the KVK’s to come up with an impact study on different activities in the backdrop of NF. The behavioural change in knowledge attitude and skill was imperative on the part of farmers. At the same time upscaling capabilities of Subject Matter Specialists was equally important, he added. He stressed upon the need of creation of Bio-resource Centre for strengthening of Natural Farming at state and National level.
The Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai informed the gathering that the nation had no option but to opt for green revolution during early 60’s. However, the negative impacts need to be addressed now on Mission Mode and Natural Farming offers a tremendous potential to save the environment, soil health, and lead towards resilience against climate change, diversity, quality food production and improve the quality of the life. He further added that the University’s research stations one at FoA Wadura and another at MLRI Mansbal, if included by ICAR ATARI under the ambit of Natural Farming can prove highly instrumental in enhancing and popularizing Natural Farming. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor expressed his gratitude to ATARI Zone 1 for convening the grand event at SKUAST-Kashmir and urged all the scientists to gear up to achieve the objective of this flagship programme.
Dr. KM Bujarbaruah former Vice Chancellor Assam Agriculture University Jhorat felt a need for synergy and coordination between research stations, KVK’s and the development departments for impactful interventions. He emphasised upon the need of Information Communication Technology in enhancing and popularising Natural Farming.
Director Extension, Prof Dil Mohmmad Makhdoomi, besides warmly welcoming the dignitaries, quoted his personal experience on the Natural Farming and informed that the natural farming was one of the potential solutions to overcome excessive and unjustified use of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides by increasing microbial activity thereby enhancing the nutrient content leading to nutritious and healthy quality of food production. He further acknowledged and appreciated the efforts being made by ATARI Zone 1 in this endeavour.
Director ATARI, Zone-1 Dr. Parvender Sheiron in his address informed that the programme is gaining the momentum with 06 million hactares area under Natural Farming engaging 20 lakh farmers in the country. Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, Nodal Officer NF, ICAR ATARI Ludhiana discussed National Mission on Natural Farming wherein he highlighted the modalities and provisions for implementing Natural Farming under Mission Mode.
During the programme 03 publications were released by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour. The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, Nodal Officer.
