Budgam, Oct 24: A week-long training program on “Organic Technologies to Enhance Niche Value of Crops” and a one-day awareness program on “Entrepreneurship Development for Women through Organic Farming” were inaugurated on Thursday by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Sub-Division, Khansahb. The event, held at Yarikah Village, Trajkhal, Budgam, is funded by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
The program aims to empower young entrepreneurs, women farmers, practicing farmers, and unemployed youth, with a special focus on participants from the ST community. The sessions will provide knowledge on organic farming techniques and government-sponsored schemes that promote sustainable agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Parmeet highlighted the importance of organic certification for niche crops in temperate regions like Kashmir. He emphasized the need for organic farming to elevate the region’s agricultural produce. Sub District Agriculture Officer Mr. Harmeet Singh spoke on the potential of tribal areas for producing high-quality organic crops and discussed various government incentives for organic farming.
Dr. Moneesa Bashir, an expert on organic technologies, detailed non-chemical practices for crop production, while Mr. Mohd Shafi Bhat stressed the importance of organic farming for Kashmir’s niche crops and the adverse effects of chemical-based farming.
Prof. Parmeet Singh extended gratitude to the Department of Agriculture’s Khansahb Sub-Division team for their collaborative efforts in organizing the program, as well as to the Directorate of Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST Kashmir, for their support.
