First Zonal Convention on Natural Farming Concludes at SKUAST-Jammu

Jammu : The Two day first Agri-vision Zonal Convention on the theme “Natural Farming: A National Priority for Human Health and Ecological Restoration” successfully concluded Wednesday here at SKUAST-Jammu.
Dinesh Kulkarni, National Organizing Secretary, Kisan Sangh was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu was Chairman of the Valedictory session. Prof. Umashankar, Dean IIT Jammu was Guest of Honour during the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh Kulkarni Ji stressed that natural farming is the need of the hour and present time is the appropriate time to adopt natural farming as the country has become self sufficient in food grain production and has buffer stock of food grains. He gave suggestions that this is the time for introspection and to think over the alternatives in agriculture. He also suggested that instead of using different nomenclatures, it is better to use the term “Bharatiya Paramparagat Krishi Paddati”. Dinesh Kulkarni gave references of rich heritage of ITKs /practices and stressed that there is a need to validate these ITKs. He emphasized that diversified farming is the need of the hour. Crop production must be integrated with dairying, fishery, apiculture, and mushroom production.
Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu expresses his satisfaction and happiness on the successful completion of two days’ convention and also appreciates the organizer. Prof. Sharma said that Dinesh Kulkarni is an authority in natural farming and played an important role for the promotion of natural/organic farming in the country. He also highlights the contribution of Dinesh Kulkarni in formulation of Agricultural Education Policy. Prof. Sharma also emphasizes connectivity between traditional agriculture and modern technology. Prof. Sharma said that as per Niti Ayog Report, J&K stands at third place at National level in terms of farmers’ income per month. He said that the university has developed 20 start-ups and is committed to develop more. Prof. Sharma during his address also spoke about promotion of specialty agriculture and heritage agriculture. Dr. Umashankar, Dean IIT, Jammu in his address said that India achieved self sufficiency in food production. He said that the Bioengineering Department of IIT Jammu is already working on Agriculture Waste Product Management and in future will like to collaborate with SKUAST-Jammu.
Exhibition of startups of SKUAST-Jammu, value added products of different progressive farmers and products developed by students of SKUAST Jammu under Experiential Learning Program was laid down during the two days event. Scientists and students were awarded for poster presentations.
Earlier, Dr. Arti Sharma, State Incharge Agri-vision briefed about the convention to the audience.
Tilak Thakur, State Organizing Secretary, ABVP J&K, Shubham Patel National Convener, Agrivision; Dr. Pradeep Wali, Director Research, Dr. S.K. Gupta Registrar, Dr. Rakesh Nanda, Director Education, Dr. Jyoti Kachroo, Director Planning & Monitoring, Dr M S Bhadwal, Dean, F.V.Sc; Dr. S.E.H. Rizvi, Dean, F.B.Sc. and all the statutory officers, head of the Divisions, faculty members, non teaching employees, students and farmers were also present during the valedictory function. Vote of thanks was presented by Sourav Manhas, Agrivision Convener, J&K.