2-day training program on Natural Farming concludes at KVK Samba

SSP chairs valedictory function

SAMBA, January 18: The two day training programme on “Natural Farming” organised under the aegis of Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-J concluded today.

During the valedictory programme,  SSP Samba, Benam Tosh was the Chief Guest of the programme. More than 40 farmers from different villages of district Samba participated in the training programme.

The program was started by Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Samba. He welcomed the chief Guest and farmers. He briefed about the various activities of KVK Samba and highlighted the importance of Natural farming in agriculture, particularly in Samba district. He stressed upon the need to practice natural farming to ensure the conservation of soil health and making agriculture more profitable. He also assured the farmers that they will be trained in various aspects of natural farming, including preparation of inputs, enriching soil and value addition.

 He disclosed that KVK Samba is going to establish one demo unit of natural farming in their adopted villages of the District for the welfare of the farming community.

In his address, the Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of KVK Samba for creating awareness among the farming community regarding natural farming. He also stressed on raising awareness among the farming community about the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, and increasing soil awareness to improve soil health. He advised the farmers to learn about different component of natural farming like Beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit to increase productivity and maintain soil health. He appreciated the team KVK Samba for reaching out each and every nook and corner of the district.

Dr. Neerja Sharma, Senior Scientist Horticulture emphasized the importance of soil in agricultural productivity. Dr. Saurav Gupta, Scientist, Entomology and Nodal Officer of the Project Natural Farming delivered an Expert lecture on Natural Farming and its importance. He said food insecurity, farmers’ distress and health problems arising due to pesticide and fertilizer residue in food and water, global warming, climate change and natural calamities.

It also has the potential to generate employment, thereby stemming the migration of rural youth. He further added that Natural Farming aims to make farming viable and aspirations by increasing net income of farmers on account of cost reduction, reduced risks, similar yields, income from intercropping. He also explained in brief about the procedure of making Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, important components of Natural Farming.

Live demonstrations of Jeevamrit, Ganjeevamrit and Beejamrit were also given to farmers, which was highly appreciated by the participants and Chief Guest of the programme.

The programme was also assisted by Dr. Amit Mahajan, Dr Shalini Khajuria, Bharat Bhushan, Tejinder Singh and Pawandeep Singh.

 The proceedings of the programme were carried out by Dr. Saurav Gupta, Scientist Entomology. At the end, the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist and Head KVK, Samba.