SKUAST-Kashmir Hosted Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Organic Farming

An interface of progressive organic farmers from the valley and scientists from the university's organic group conducted an interaction programme at the Shalimar campus (Srinagar), where both the scientists and the farming community exchanged their perspectives. 

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai chaired over the session, which was also attended by Director Extension Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Research Prof Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani, Dr. M.Y. Zargar Prof. Emeritus and Prof Sheikh Bilal, formerly Dean Faculty of Agriculture. 

The Honorable Vice Chancellor apprised the House on the relevance of organic farming.  SKUAST-K is going to organize 7th Technology Exhibition-cum-Seed Sale Melain which the organic farming will be the theme thrust area he said. Honorable Vice Chancellor also briefed the house about the impact of numerous varieties created by SKUAST-K and urged the scientists to publish an atlas of the varieties with their utility so that the farming community may benefited.

In his address, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, emphasized natural farming and organic farming, and he presented the house with a list of progressive farmers who work with a range of organic products such as walnuts, almonds, apples, honey, and flowers. 

Dr. M.Y. Zargar Prof Emeritus highlighted the prelude of organic farming in order to highlight the necessity for organic agriculture, its scope, potential, and SKUAST-K policies in relation to organic farming, notably in Gurez, which needs to be designated as an organic zone. According to the Vice Chancellor, any product coming from Gurez area would be considered identical with organic farming. Prof Sheikh Bilal, Ex Dean Agriculture, while citing the example of Buckweed from Kargil which is grown in organic way informed that the same can be cultivated in Kashmir Division also. 

While sharing thoughts and opinions, the scientists briefed the farmers about the most recent technological breakthroughs aimed at enhancing the region's organic sector. The valley's finest organic farmers appreciated the Varsity's assistance in providing them with technical knowledge and guiding them to success. Farmers shared their knowledge and informed scientists about bottlenecks and challenges experienced in the sector.