Bandipora, Oct 29 (KNS): Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Thursday organised a one-day training programme on aromatic plant cultivation at Gojarpatri village in Aragam, Bandipora, aimed at promoting crop diversification and creating additional income opportunities for rural households.
The programme was organised by the Division of Forest Products and Utilization (FPU), Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, with sponsorship from the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), Calicut, Kerala.
More than 50 farmers and local youth participated in the training, which focused on introducing scientific cultivation practices and exploring the commercial potential of aromatic plants suited to the region's agro-climatic conditions.
Scientists and experts from the Division of FPU delivered technical lectures on aromatic plant cultivation, nursery management and the economic opportunities associated with growing high-value aromatic crops.
The experts highlighted the potential of aromatic plants as an alternative agricultural enterprise, particularly for rural households seeking to diversify their income sources beyond conventional farming.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
During the programme, participants were familiarised with scientific cultivation techniques, appropriate planting methods and nursery management practices to improve productivity and encourage sustainable farming.
As part of the initiative, high-value aromatic plant planting material was distributed among participating farmers to facilitate field-level adoption and encourage the establishment of aromatic plant cultivation plots in the area.
The training also covered harvesting techniques, optimal harvesting periods, essential oil extraction and value-addition opportunities that could help farmers secure better economic returns from their produce.
Experts further emphasised the importance of developing effective market linkages to ensure that farmers adopting aromatic plant cultivation have access to commercially viable opportunities.
The programme sought to equip farmers and rural youth with practical knowledge and technical skills to explore aromatic plant-based enterprises as a means of strengthening livelihoods and promoting agricultural diversification in Bandipora district. (KNS)