Budgam , April 22: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam, under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor,

SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and in collaboration with the TSP-ICAR project
‘Promotion of Natural Farming in Tribal farmers of Kashmir’ successfully conducted a
comprehensive training and input distribution programme to tribal farmers belonging to
villages Tral and Sangerwani of district Pulwama. The initiative was designed to empower
tribal farmers by equipping them with high-quality inputs to boost productivity and ensure
sustainable livelihoods through Natural Farming practises. The programme was presided over
by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, who was the chief guest on
the occasion besides Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Professor & Head, ETC & KVK Pulwama
and Scientists from both KVK’s were also present. In her keynote address, Prof. Raihana
highlighted SKUAST-Kashmir’s continued efforts towards the upliftment of tribal farming
communities. She emphasized the critical role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in
promoting climate-resilient agriculture and improving livelihood security. She added that
KVK’s are playing a pivotal role in transforming the lives of tribal farmers by introducing
innovative, sustainable practices and providing timely access to quality agricultural inputs.
Prof. Raihana stressed on the importance of adopting scientific practices for achieving
sustainable agricultural growth and improving rural livelihoods.
Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Professor & Head, ETC & KVK Pulwama in his address
highlighted the objectives of the Tribal Sub Plan, emphasizing the commitment of ICAR and
SKUAST-Kashmir towards improving the livelihoods of tribal farming communities through
location-specific technologies, capacity building and input support. He urged farmers to
adopt scientific farming practices and make the best use of the inputs provided. He also
outlined the Kendra’s mission to advance sustainable farming and enhance access to
technology for marginalized communities.
During training sessions Dr. Shazia Ramzan (PI of project) and Dr. Shabeer Ahmad Ganie
(Co-PI of project) from KVK Budgam covered various topics like need and importance of
Natural Farming, pillars and practises of Natural Farming and strategies for climate-smart
agriculture.
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of inputs like drums, buckets, shoes,
gloves etc., to participating tribal farmers for practising Natural Farming on their fields.