SAMBA: Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (CONF), SKUAST-Jammu, in collaboration with KVK Samba on Friday organized one-day training cum awareness program on Organic and Natural Farming here under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) project on Alternate agriculture Systems for Sustainability. More than 50 women farmers actively participated in the program aimed to educate and empower local women farmers by imparting knowledge on best practices for enhancing crop quality and marketability.
Small tools (sickle and khurpa) were also distributed among the women farmers. Their active participation enriched the event, providing practical insights into the ground realities faced by farmers. A demonstration of spraying through Drone was also given to the participants in the fruit orchards with the aim to show them Drone Didi Yojana.
The training was conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) B.N.Tripathi, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu and inaugurated by Prof. Sanjay Khajuria, Head KVK, Samba. He welcomed Prof. Parshant Bakshi Head CONF, SKUAST-J the Chief guest and Project Coordinator, Prof. Balbir Dhotra, P.I. of the HADP project.
Prof. Khajuria discussed the various initiatives taken by this KVK for promotion of Natural farming in the Samba area. He stressed that organic farming not only strengthens the agricultural economy but also enhances the living standards of the rural populace. He showcased the ongoing initiatives aimed at providing technical and advisory support to farmers, fostering sustainable agricultural practices in Samba.
In his presidential address, Prof. Bakshi emphasized the significance of the HADP project and its role in promoting soil health of the region. He also highlighted the economic potential of expanding the cultivation area under organic and natural farming. All the women farmers take pledge of using organic manures in their kitchen gardens.
Dr. Balbir Dhotra, Professor, CONF and P.I discussed the significance of this project and also taught the various methods of preparation of Jeevamrit, Bejamrit, Neem Astra, Panchgavya to the participants. A practical demonstration was also conducted for Panchgavya preparation and its mode of application which was highly appreciated by the participants.
The program was managed by Dr. Shalini Khajuria, Dr. Amit Mahajan and Dr. A.K.Sinha, scientists of KVK, Samba. The training concluded with a positive response from women farmers, who expressed their gratitude for the valuable information shared and vowed to implement the knowledge gained in their farming practices.
