Srinagar, Oct 7: The Directorate of Extension Education, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, organised a Natural Farming Seminar at the Conference Hall, Shalimar, bringing together agricultural scientists, experts, farmer representatives and other stakeholders to discuss scientifically validated and location-specific approaches for promoting natural farming in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, who was the Chief Guest, emphasised that natural farming practices need to be scientifically validated and adapted to the diverse agro-climatic conditions of the region. He said the University has established a Centre of Excellence on Natural Farming to strengthen research, field demonstrations, capacity building and dissemination of appropriate practices.
Linking scientific research with field-level requirements, Prof. Ganai highlighted the potential of natural farming to improve soil health, conserve natural resources and promote efficient use of farm inputs. He called for stronger collaboration among the University, government departments, scientists, farmer organisations and farming communities to develop approaches that are both evidence-based and relevant to local conditions.
Underscoring the role of extension in translating research into practice, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, emphasised the importance of taking validated technologies and practices to farmers through field demonstrations, capacity building and continuous knowledge exchange.
The need to keep farmers at the centre of such efforts was also highlighted by Ms. Nuzat Gul, Secretary, J&K Kisan Advisory Board. She stressed the importance of farmer participation in developing environmentally responsible and economically viable farming systems.
From the farmers’ organisation perspective, Shri Dinesh D. Kulkarni, All India Organising Secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, highlighted the importance of soil health, ecological balance and reduced dependence on external inputs. He called for greater farmer awareness, practical demonstrations and institutional support. Shri Balkar Singh, State President, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, J&K and Ladakh, also stressed greater farmer participation and collective efforts to promote natural farming in the region.
The discussions then moved to field-level experiences during an interactive session with farmers, moderated by Prof. Purshotum Singh. Farmers shared their experiences, concerns and technical queries, providing experts with an opportunity to address practical aspects of natural farming and understand challenges related to its adoption.
The interaction was followed by an expert panel discussion chaired by Shri Dinesh D. Kulkarni. The panel, comprising Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, Prof. Sher Ahmad Dar, Shri Balkar Singh, Prof. Parmeet Singh and Prof. Sumati Narayan, deliberated on soil health, resource and input management, crop productivity, environmental sustainability and practical approaches for field-level adoption of natural farming.
The discussions underscored the need for a research-backed, farmer-centric and location-specific approach, supported by field demonstrations, extension services and continuous assessment of outcomes. The seminar also highlighted the role of sustained collaboration among farmers, scientists, extension agencies and farmer organisations in developing appropriate natural farming practices for the region.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Amal Saxena, Agronomy, Directorate of Extension Education, SKUAST-K.