STATE TIMES NEWS REASI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra(KVK), Reasi under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) organised online training programme on ” Commercial organic farming” on Saturday through virtual mode which was enthuastically attended by a number of farmers of remote village Kainthi of Arnas block in Reasi district. The programme was organised under the guidance of Director Extension of SKUAST-Jammu, Dr. SK Gupta. Dr. Banarsi Lal, Scientist & Head of KVK, Reasi initiated the programme with the warm welcome of the farmers. He spoke in length on commercial organic farming and highlighted its benefits. He guided farmers on principles and practices of organic farming and suggested them about the organic formulations required in organic farming. He narrated that by commercial organic farming farmers can enhance their income and employment. He also spoke in length on crops rotation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity. He guided farmers on intercropping and mixed farming for doubling the farmers’ income. He also discussed on organic horti-poultry farming to enhance the income of farmers. Dr. SK Singh, Associate Professor, SKUAST-J shared his expertise about the principles and practices of organic farming. He guided farmers on organic management of diseases and insect-pests in various crops. He guided farmers on the formulations of neem extract, pear, bael and pongamia leaves extract, vermicompost, cow urine, Panchagvya, matka khad etc. and urged them to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices so that safe and chemical free food can be produced. He motivated the farmers for commercial organic farming and urged them to become a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign. Anil Thakur, Agriculture Extension Officer, Department of Agriculture, Reasi discussed on the strategies to double the farmers income. He discussed on the organic cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables and stressed on their value addition to enhance the income and employment of hilly areas farmers. He also spoke on back yard poultry, mushroom cultivation and organic cultivation of turmeric and ginger. Farmers raised some quarries during the programme which were answered satisfactorily by the scientists. The programme was concluded by Dr. Banarsi Lal with formal vote of thanks.
