SHOPIAN: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian organised a one-day training and scientist interaction programme for tribal farmers at its campus, where agricultural inputs were also distributed among participants.
Around 35 tribal farmers from different areas of the district participated in the programme. The event was organised under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control, Division of Entomology, in collaboration with KVK Shopian. The objective of the programme was to educate farmers about modern agricultural practices, crop protection, and eco-friendly pest management techniques.
On the occasion, Head of the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Prof. Akhtar Ali Khan, and Principal Investigator of the Biological Control Project Prof. Sajjad Mohiuddin attended as chief guests. Head of KVK Shopian Dr. Zaffar Badri, along with several agricultural scientists and experts, were also present during the programme.
Welcoming the guests and participating farmers, Dr. Zaffar Badri said that such programmes play an important role in strengthening the link between scientists and farmers. He added that practical agricultural knowledge and scientific guidance can help farmers better protect their crops and improve productivity.
He advised farmers to avoid the unnecessary use of chemical pesticides and agro-chemicals, noting that their harmful effects can impact human health, the environment, and beneficial insects. He encouraged farmers to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable farming practices to ensure safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective crop protection.
During the programme, agricultural experts provided detailed information to the tribal farmers about biological control of pests, natural remedies, and modern farming techniques. Various agricultural inputs and essential materials were also distributed among the farmers to help them implement these practices in their fields.
The participating farmers expressed gratitude to the officials and experts of KVK Shopian and SKUAST-K, stating that such training programmes are highly beneficial and provide an opportunity to learn modern agricultural practices.
