Kupwara/Srinagar,April 13 (Scoop News) -     Department of Agriculture gives systemic push under acute focus to Organic Farming, in first phase 50 Hectares of land at Handwara has been brought organic farming for cultivation of Paddy, Maize and Vegetable crops.

            In this connection Department of Agriculture in collaboration with International Panacea Ltd organized “Farmers Awareness Camp on Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture” at Environment Hall Handwara.

            On this occasion, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, M.S Kutoo said that Department of Agriculture Kashmir has started centrally sponsored scheme on adoption and certification of organic farming in Kashmir with the aim for sustainable agriculture for better productivity through natural Bio-Inputs. He said that organic farming has great relevance in the present scenario and has number of benefits for the farmers including sustainability of agriculture, reduction in the input costs, Eco friendly and less hazardous. He further said that organic farming will add to their incomes as organic food products are in great demand in the present day health conscious world.

            District Agriculture Officer, Farooq Ahmad said that under the scheme over a period of three years of organic farming will be adopted and certified on cluster basis. Marketing facility will also be provided to the farmers to ensure high returns.

            Similar program in second phase will be started at Karnah and Machil like far flung areas of district Kupwara, where 200 hectares of land under cultivation of Potato, Paddy, Maize and Vegetables will be brought under organic farming during ensuing Kharief Season.

            Dr. Ranveir Singh, Dr. Gayatri Tandon, M.K Rajput and Mohammad Shafi from International Panacea Ltd highlighted the component of organic Farming which includes Crop Rotation, Composting and Integrated Pest and Disease Management.

            They advised farmers to use farm yard manure and Bio Nutrients as substitute for Chemical Fertilizers and Bio Pesticides as substitute for Chemical Pesticides, so as to maintain fertility and health status of soil besides to improve quality of the produce.

            Large number of farmers besides officers and officials of the Agriculture Department participated in the awareness camp.

            On the conclusion Joint Director Extension and President International Panacea Ltd distributed Bio Nutrients and Bio Pesticides to the farmers who will adopt Organic Farming in their fields.

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