Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 12 : The Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (CONF), Chatha, under the aegis of SKUAST-Jammu, successfully conducted a one-day farmer training and demonstration programme focused on Organic and Natural Farming. The event, organized in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, Ghaziabad, with the participation of 50 farmers from the Organic cluster of R.S. Pura sub-division of Department of Agriculture, Jammu.
Prof. Parshant Bakshi, Head of Fruit Science and Incharge of CONF, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of Organic and Natural Farming. He also provided an overview of the ongoing research activities at the Centre, noting that with the nation’s emphasis on expanding organic and natural farming, the SKUAST-J centre is dedicated to developing best practices for organic cultivation of field crops, fruits, and vegetables under the specific conditions of Jammu.
The event’s chief guest, Prof. S.K. Gupta, Director of Research, discussed the initiatives under the Alternate Agriculture Systems for Sustainability project of HADP. He emphasized that the organic farming is the need of hour and there is a need to promote organic produce by encouraging farmers to pursue certification.
Dr. Manoj Gupta, Assistant Director at the Regional Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF), Ghaziabad, outlined the Centre’s efforts to promote Organic and Natural Farming through training programs targeting rural youth and organic growers. Dr. Amitesh Kumar, SMS at KVK Jammu, provided insights into the current status of Organic Farming in Jammu and Kashmir, while Dr. Satesh Kumar, Professor of Vegetable Science, discussed the importance of organic vegetable production.
The training also featured practical demonstrations led by Dr. S.K. Singh, Dr. A.P. Rai, and Dr. Balbir Dhotra, who showcased the preparation of bio-formulations such as Neem Kernel Extract and Panchgavya, along with their application methods. As part of the programme, participants received kits containing Neem Kernel Extract, vermicompost, Trichoderma, biostimulants, and vegetable seeds.
The training was attended by Harpreet Dutta, Prem Chand Manhas, Niraj Manhas, and Sadiq. The event was further supported by PG students Satyam Thakur, Prayekshi Sharma, Lobzang Zangmo, Ishaan Mahajan, Devanshu, Sidhant, Sukanya, and Arti from Organic Farming, along with Ashima Choudhary, Mukesh Sarkar and Prachi Soni from Fruit Science, who coordinated the practical demonstrations and ensured the smooth execution of the training programme.
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