Two day training programme on ZBNF and organic farming

A two-day training programme on sensitization and capacity building of farmers organised by the Department of Business Management, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni concluded at the university campus today (March 24, 2018). Farmers from the Nirmand Block of district Kullu attended the programme, which focussed on providing information on organic and Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).

The training was organised by the department under the ‘Organic Farming Promotion through Sensitization, Awareness Generation and Capacity Building of Farmers for Sustainable Agro-ecological Systems, Improved Livelihoods for Healthier Himalayan Region’ project. The project is sponsored by the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora, Uttarakhand.

In the inaugural session, Dr Rakesh Gupta, Dean College of Horticulture UHF shared his personal experiences with the participants and motivated them to start organic farming in order to save the environment and provide healthier food to the people. Programme coordinator Dr. Yasmin Janjua and Dr KK Raina, Head Department of Business Management also addressed the farmers on the adverse effects on human health, soil and environment due to the excessive use of chemical inputs. Under the programme, the department has organised 16 village meetings at Kullu, Kinnaur, Solan and Bilaspur districts with the aim to sensitize the farmers and motivate them to shift to organic farming.

In the valedictory session, Vice Chancellor Dr HC Sharma, addressed the farmers on various aspects of organic and zero budget natural farming. He advised the farmers to adopt organic farming and reduce the dependence on insecticides and pesticides. Dr Sharma urged the participants to develop community-based water storage systems, adopt new technologies like precision farming and drip irrigation, which could help to deal with the water shortage problems in the rain deficient months.

The participants also visited the farms of the university where Dr Rajeshwar Chandel, the coordinator of the ZBNF gave a detailed demonstration on the technique to them and also addressed their queries. Dr Anjali Chauhan, Dr Rajesh Kaushal, Dr Rashmi Chaudhary and Dr Piyush Mehta shared their expertise on organic farming including demonstration on PGPR and bio-fertilizers and its importance in organic farming, marketing of organic produce etc. The farmers were also apprised about the various government schemes to promote organic farming.