Integrated farming viable option to bolster farmer economy: VC SKUAST-K

Budgam has high scope for agricultural, horticulture sectors: DC

BUDGAM, FEBRUARY 16: Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad today said that integrated farming was the most viable way to double income of farmers.

VC said this while speaking as a Chief Guest at a start of 249 hours “Small Poultry Farmer and 200 hours Quality Seed Grower” Skill Development Training programs at KVK Budgam.

District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Tariq Hussain Ganaie was Guest of Honor on the occasion. Among others the function was also attended by Associate Director Extension SKUAST, Shiekh Muzafar, ADC Budgam, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, KVK Head Dr Nasir Ahmad, District Poultry Officer Dr Sarfaraz, CAO, scientists of various fields and other concerned.

Speaking on the occasion, VC exhorted upon the concerned to aware farmers about the benefits of integrated farming in the district to boost farmers income. He instructed on holding awareness camps regarding the multiple farming methods with introduction of hybrid varieties and latest innovations and technologies for the progressive farming under various departmental schemes across the district Budgam. VC appreciated KVK Budgam for the hybrid maize production at some areas and directed concerned to adopt villages in each blocks of the district for high value vegetables, better yields and maximum production.

On the occasion, various farmers who had undergone several skill development trainings for progressive farming last year were given certificates. VC urged them (farmers) to opt for assistance under Nabard, MSME and under other schemes to boost their farming activities.

Meanwhile, DDC Budgam said that Budgam has high scope for agricultural, horticultural farming besides poultry and dairy entrepreneurship. He said that instead of running after government jobs, youth should opt for self-employment schemes under these sectors to set up employment generation units in the district. DDC said though a high tech marketing facilities hall be established in the district however, he said that such sectors have also ready market available and shall always prove progressive to farmers.

He said that district administration shall hold a mega awareness camp at KVK Budgam for the awareness of self-employment schemes under agriculture, horticultural, handicrafts, poultry, dairy and other allied departments.