Awareness programmes

Recently SKUAST-K conducted awareness programmes on Soilless cultivation across Kashmir Valley.

These programmes are aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills in soilless agriculture to meet the agri challenges of the future in urban areas.

The programmes were conducted at Sopore, Anantnag, Pulwama, Tangmarg and Wadura in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The awareness programs organised by the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, are innovative and sustainable farming methods that can help secure the vegetable demand of urban and peri-urban populations. Progressive farmers and youth from rural areas and adjoining areas attended the awareness programmes. Every programme was targeted at fifty participants comprising rural youth and progressive farmers.

Experts threw light on soilless cultivation methods which offered numerous advantages that contribute to maximizing yields and promoting sustainability in agriculture. By providing controlled, efficient, and environmentally friendly growing conditions, soilless cultivation has the potential to help meet the growing demand for fresh, nutritious vegetables while reducing the ecological impact of traditional farming, the participants were told.

Addressing the programmes, Program coordinator and Associate Professor, Division of Vegetable Science SKUAST-K, Dr Shahnaz Mufti said that the rapid urbanization and population growth in urban and peri-urban areas have increased the demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables.