Month-long training programme on ZBNF concludes at UHF
Author(s): City Air NewsA month-long training programme on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) concluded at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Foresry (UHF), Nauni. Twenty-six farmers from across Himachal Pradesh took part...
A month-long training programme on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) concluded at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Foresry (UHF), Nauni. Twenty-six farmers from across Himachal Pradesh took part in the programme, which was conducted by the University’s Directorate of Research.
The training was a part of the ZBNF programme of the Government of Himachal Pradesh under which farmers were apprised on the different aspects of this natural farming method. The participants were given a thorough practical exposure at the university’s ZBNF experimental farm.
Special emphasis was laid on trainees getting ‘hands-on experience’ through on-field practical sessions. The participants also undertook training in preparing different compositions of ZBNF and its results on various crops. In addition to ZBNF, specific lectures on various important aspects of agriculture were also arranged for the group.
The participants were from diverse age groups and educational backgrounds. What was heartening to see was a large number of youngsters, some with engineering degrees, interested in starting agricultural activities under this method. Many of the farmers taking part in the training were already undertaking organic farming and expressed the desire to shift to ZBNF.
Dr Rajeshwar Chandel, Joint Director (Research) at UHF and recently appointed Executive Director of ZBNF programme of the state said, “The main objective of the training was to thoroughly prepare the farmers in ZBNF farming method. These farmers will now establish their own farms under this model. Based on performance, which will be observed over a period of six months, some of them will be made master trainers who will help in training other farmers.”
Dr HC Sharma, UHF Vice Chancellor urged the participants to implement the knowledge gained from the training in their farms and help in spreading it to other farmers. He laid emphasis on the active role of youth in promoting farming activities and urged them to adopt the latest technologies and practices like high-density plantation.
Dr JN Sharma, UHF Director Research congratulated the ZBNF research team of the university and asked the participants to start their own trials under this method so that they can lead the way for other farmers in the state.