KISHTWAR, Jun 3: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kishtwar, under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), organized an Awareness-cum-Training Programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Kishtwar, at Village Dadhpeth in Tehsil Mughal Maidan.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and the guidance of Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-J. More than 30 farmers and farm women participated enthusiastically in the programme.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Berjesh Ajrawat, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Kishtwar, highlighted the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide awareness and capacity-building campaign launched jointly by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. He emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer use, soil test-based nutrient management, reducing excessive use of urea, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to protect soil health and groundwater resources.
Dr. Ajrawat informed the participants that the campaign aims to strengthen farmer outreach through timely advisories, active Panchayat-level participation, and effective dissemination of government schemes and scientific technologies among rural communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shafiya Kulsam, Agriculture Extension Assistant, Department of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of natural farming in conserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, and ensuring food and nutritional security. Adil Ahmed, Agriculture Extension Assistant, apprised farmers of various welfare schemes, including HADP, JKCIP and PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, and encouraged them to avail themselves of the benefits under these programmes.
The programme witnessed active interaction between farmers and agricultural experts, during which several field-level issues were discussed. Scientists provided scientific recommendations and practical solutions aimed at enhancing farm productivity and increasing farmers’ income through sustainable agricultural practices.
The proceedings were conducted by Komal Sharma, while the staff of KVK Kishtwar extended full support in the successful conduct of the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Saroop Sharma, a progressive and award-winning farmer of the area, who appreciated the efforts of KVK Kishtwar and the Department of Agriculture in empowering farmers through awareness and scientific guidance.