DODA: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Doda on Thursday organized a Farmers’ awareness program at the Soil Testing Lab to mark World Soil Day, highlighting the critical importance of soil health for sustainable agriculture.
Farmers from Doda and its adjoining areas actively participated in the event, which aimed to raise awareness about soil conservation, fertility, and sustainable farming practices. The program was organized under the leadership of Anil Gupta, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) and the guidance of Arvinder Singh Reen, Director of Agriculture, Jammu.
Area Development Officer Haroon Hussain inaugurated the program. He underscored the significance of maintaining healthy soil for enhancing crop productivity and long-term sustainability. He urged farmers to take advantage of the services offered by the Soil Testing Lab, including soil health cards and advisory services, to optimize their agricultural practices.
Rajesh Kumar, DAO Extension, emphasized the department's efforts to improve soil health through innovative schemes and farmer-centric programs. Experts Ampy Singh, Mushroom Development Assistant and Wasim Raja, AEA Mushroom Scheme, discussed the role of soil health in boosting crop yield and shared insights into modern agricultural techniques. Touqeer Kafy, JAEO, managed the proceedings, ensuring effective communication between farmers and officials.
In addition to the main event, similar awareness programs were conducted at tehsil and block levels across the district. These efforts are part of the department's commitment to educating farmers on soil management techniques, promoting the use of organic fertilizers, and reducing chemical dependency. The initiative aims to empower farmers with knowledge and tools to ensure sustainable agricultural growth while preserving soil resources for future generations.