Zubair Ahmad
Karnah,Aug 22 (KNS): The AICRP-AF Srinagar Centre, Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, inaugurated a three-day training programme on Agroforestry aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of AICRP-AF. The event took place in GOMEL, village of Block Tanghdar in Tehsil Karnah.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. A.H. Mughal, Associate Director Research, who served as the Chief Guest. The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Megna Rashid Bakshi, Assistant Professor of Silviculture and Agroforestry. Dr. Bakshi emphasized the importance of adopting scientific methods in farming to boost production. She encouraged participants, particularly women, to strive to become job providers rather than job seekers, highlighting the limitations of government employment opportunities.
Dr. G.M. Bhat, Programme Coordinator and Head of the Silviculture and Agroforestry Division, outlined various aspects of the training, underscoring the vital role both men and women play in agroforestry. He explained the programme's focus on providing hands-on training and discussed the package of practices for different agroforestry tree species, intercropping techniques, and methods for sowing various intercrops. Dr. Bhat emphasized agroforestry as a key strategy to achieve the goal of doubling farmers' income, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
During the event, hybrid maize seeds, six varieties of vegetable seeds, perennial fodder seeds, agricultural tool kits, and plant material were distributed to selected tribal farmers from the village, identified with the assistance of the local Ex-Sarpanch.
In his address, Prof. A.H. Mughal highlighted the importance of such training programmes in fostering entrepreneurship among educated unemployed youth. He expressed hope that the training would greatly benefit the farming community in the region.
The inaugural event saw the participation of AICRP-AF scientists, officials, local panchayat members, and 40 participants from the tribal community. Dr. G.M. Bhat acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganiae, Project Director AICRP-AF, Prof. Arunachalam, Nodal Officer A.K. Handa, Director Research SKUAST, Dean Faculty of Forestry, Prof. S.A. Gangoo, and Associate Director Research, Prof. A.H. Mughal. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsoring agency, CAFRI Jhansi ICAR, Government of India.
Following the inaugural session, Prof. G.M. Bhat, Dr. Megna Rashid, and Prof. A.H. Mughal delivered detailed presentations to the participants, marking the beginning of the three-day training programme.(KNS)