Srinagar, Dec 29: Ten-day national training on ‘Natural Farming’ concluded Friday at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, deliberated upon the need for and importance of such national training programmes. He said that this program was organized with a vision to promote Natural Farming for securing food security. He directed the organizers to come up with a comprehensive book on Natural Farming in the Himalayas seeking topics from various experts across the country and participants to promote and highlight the Natural Farming for Mountain Agriculture. Vice Chancellor distributed certificates among the participants.
Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi apprised the audience about the historical, cultural and spiritual practices of various Saints, Reshis and Sufis of Kashmir in relation to Natural Farming. He deliberated upon the importance of various religious scriptures and co-related them with the beneficial effects of Natural Farming and indigenous practices on human, animal and soil health.
OSD to Chancellor, Prof Azmat Alam Khan discussed the journey of the country from food insufficiency to self-sufficiency and security. He highlighted that it is need of hour to shift from current agricultural practices which are solely based on chemical inputs to Natural Farming so as to safeguard both the environment and eco-system.
Later, the exposure visit of Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) participants were flagged off by the Vice Chancellor.
