KVK Bandipora Hosts Training Programme on Natural Farming

Convener News Desk

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Bandipora, May 20: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1 on Wednesday hosted scientists and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs) during an ongoing four-day training programme on Natural Farming organised under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

 

An official spokesperson said the programme was aimed at strengthening the technical knowledge and practical skills of KVK scientists and Farmer Master Trainers 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 different Natural Farming demonstration units established at KVK Bandipora-1 as part of the training programme.

The field visit focused on practical learning and exposure to sustainable and low-input farming practices being promoted by the KVK. Participants were taken to various demonstration plots, including Walnut Demonstration Plots, Lotus Demonstration Plots and Stone Fruit-based Natural Farming Demonstration Plots 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.

Head KVK Bandipora-1, Dr. Tariq Sultan, welcomed the visiting scientists, experts and Farmer Master Trainers and highlighted the significance of Natural Farming in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

He demonstrated various Natural Farming models established at the KVK and briefed participants about farmer-oriented extension activities being carried out by the institution. He stressed the need to promote chemical-free and environmentally sustainable farming practices to improve soil fertility, farm profitability and livelihood security of farmers.

The programme also featured practical demonstrations on the preparation and application of key Natural Farming components, 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, spoke on crop management practices under Natural Farming systems, while Dr. Nazir Ahmad Mir, SMS Animal Science, highlighted the role of indigenous livestock and cow-based formulations in Natural Farming.

Dr. Bilal Ahmad Zargar, SMS Agricultural Extension, emphasised the importance of extension services, farmer awareness and field demonstrations in scaling up Natural Farming initiatives. Shabnum Mumtaz, SMS Entomology, sensitised participants about eco-friendly pest management practices and biological methods for sustainable insect control.