SRINAGAR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) launched the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative and kick-started a five-day training programme on natural farming for field functionaries under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

The initiative was launched at KVK Srinagar on September 17 through a ‘lighting of the diya’ ceremony led by Prof Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, in the presence of G.N. Var, Chief Patron, PSAJK, Dr S.A. Simnani, Head, KVK Srinagar, scientists and other officials. Farmers, FPO representatives, Krishi Sakhis, FMTs and FWs also participated.

The five-day training is being conducted for Krishi Sakhis, FMTs and FWs associated with seven Natural Farming clusters in Harwan and Khonmoh blocks of Srinagar district under the NMNF.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Dr Simnani, in his introductory remarks, outlined the significance of natural farming and the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices focused on soil health and microbial diversity.

Experts from SKUAST-K, including Dr Sumiti Narayan and Dr Aasima Rafiq, are providing hands-on training on the preparation of natural farming bio-inputs using livestock and on-farm natural resources. Dr Haseeb, Dr Showket and Dr Owais are covering the objectives and practices of natural farming for sustainable and resilient agricultural production systems.

The ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative is being undertaken as part of the nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, being observed from September 17 to October 17, with a focus on community participation and service towards farmers and rural communities.(KNS)