Srinagar, April 21: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with MANAGE Hyderabad, the department of Agriculture, J&K and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Monday concluded two intensive capacity-building training programmes under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
The valedictory function, held at the university’s Shalimar campus, marked the culmination of training initiatives aimed at Scientists, Line Department Officials, and Farmer Master Trainers from the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Designated as a Centre of Natural Farming for the North and North-Western Himalayan regions, SKUAST-K continues to spearhead efforts to mainstream low-cost, eco-friendly, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The mission supports the nationwide shift toward sustainable farming models rooted in traditional wisdom and modern science. In a message delivered on the occasion, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, praised the Directorate of Extension for its proactive implementation of the NMNF mandate. He acknowledged the university’s unwavering commitment to strengthening agricultural capacity and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers through innovation and skill development. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, highlighted the urgency of adopting Natural Farming in the face of escalating climate threats and soil degradation. “It’s essential to rebalance our agro-ecosystems,” she noted, “and natural farming offers a sustainable path forward—one that enhances soil health, conserves biodiversity, and ensures long-term food security.”
The training programmes drew participation from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists, agricultural officers from state and district levels, and master trainers from both UTs. The sessions featured expert talks, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive workshops designed to equip participants with practical tools for implementing and promoting natural farming practices in their respective regions. The successful conclusion of these programmes reinforces SKUAST-K’s role as a leading institution in sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on grassroots capacity building, climate adaptation and farmer empowerment across the Himalayan belt.
