Training on natural farming at Nauni varsity

A comprehensive four-day training programme on natural farming targeting scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), representatives from Local Natural Farming Institutions (LNFI) and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs), focusing on enhancing skills in sustainable agricultural practices was held recently at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan.

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This training was organised under the National Mission on Natural Farming, with the university recognised as one of the seven centres of natural farming by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

A total of 21 participants, including 13 FMTs, representatives from local natural farming institutions and eight scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras attended the programme.

The event was inaugurated by Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research at the university, who emphasised the importance of practical training to enhance skills in environmentally sustainable natural farming. He shared insights into the university’s ongoing initiatives and successes in promoting natural farming practices. Over the course of the training, 13 expert sessions were conducted, covering a variety of topics under the National Mission on Natural Farming. These included an overview of natural farming and its components, soil health management, pest control, diversified multilayer cropping, dairy management, seed systems, bio-input preparation and the roles and responsibilities of krishi sakhis.

A hands-on session was also held where participants learned to prepare bio-inputs such as beejamrit, jeevamrit, ghanjeevamrit and plant protection remedies like agniaster, brahmastra and neemaster. Participants also visited demonstration farms to observe practical applications.

The training concluded with an address by Dr CL Thakur, Dean, College of Forestry. He highlighted that applying the principles of natural farming not only ensures high-quality produce but also contributes to environmental protection and climate resilience. Certificates and literature were also distributed to the participants.

Dr Subhash C Verma, Nodal Officer for CoNF, Dr NK Bharat, Dr Sudhir Verma, Dr Dharminder Kumar (Head, KVK Chamba), Dr Pramod Kumar (Associate Director, KVK Kinnaur) along with training coordinators Dr Chandresh Guleria and Dr Samriti were also present during the event.