15-day certificate course aims to promote soil health, balanced fertilisation and sustainable farming
Srinagar, : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has launched a 15-day certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management to equip agricultural input dealers with scientific knowledge of fertiliser application, soil health management and sustainable farming practices.
The programme, inaugurated on Monday by the Directorate of Extension/SAMETI in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, will continue until November 23. Agricultural input dealers and prospective fertiliser dealers from various districts of Kashmir are participating in the training.
The initiative assumes significance as agricultural input dealers often serve as the first point of contact for farmers seeking advice on fertilisers and other agricultural inputs. The university aims to strengthen their capacity to provide scientifically sound recommendations and discourage indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers.
During the 15-day programme, participants will receive training in soil fertility assessment, balanced nutrient application and the judicious use of chemical fertilisers, organic manures and biofertilisers. The curriculum will also cover recent developments in nutrient management, soil health improvement, and relevant fertiliser rules and regulations.
The training will combine expert lectures by university specialists with interactive sessions and field visits to different university units, providing participants with practical exposure to scientific agricultural practices.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension/SAMETI, SKUAST-Kashmir, emphasised the crucial role of agricultural input dealers in taking scientific technologies from research institutions to farming communities.
She said trained input dealers could function as effective para-extension professionals by guiding farmers towards balanced fertiliser application and sustainable agricultural practices.
The university said the collaboration with MANAGE, Hyderabad, is aimed at developing a technically competent network of agricultural input dealers who can contribute to improving soil health, enhancing crop productivity and strengthening the agricultural extension system in Kashmir.
