SRINAGAR: Nearly 800 tribal and marginal farming households across eight villages in Ganderbal district are set to receive technology-driven agricultural support under an ICAR-funded initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods, improving farm productivity and reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
The intervention is being implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganderbal, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) as part of the project titled “Strengthening Livelihoods and Agricultural Resilience of Tribal and Marginal Farmers in Ganderbal District through Technology-Driven Resource Packages.”
Officials said the project seeks to address challenges faced by tribal farmers by introducing eco-friendly technologies and scientific farming practices that can improve productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture.
As part of the programme, farmers received seed kits, horticulture kits, soil health kits, plant protection kits, biofertilisers, biopesticides, silage bags, portable vermibeds for vermicompost production, farm tools, kitchen garden kits and other agricultural resource materials.
According to project authorities, the initiative has been designed to support multiple aspects of farming and household livelihoods, including crop production, soil health management, fodder preservation, nutrition security and reduction of labour-intensive farm operations.
Dr Ajaz Malik, Head of KVK Ganderbal and Principal Investigator of the project, said the programme would cover more than eight villages and nearly 800 households. He said the objective was to transform tribal agriculture into a model of sustainability by promoting modern tools, organic inputs and diversified income opportunities.
He said the project encourages farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices and aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, in line with national efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable farming systems.
An input distribution-cum-awareness programme was organised to mark the launch of the initiative. Speaking on the occasion, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Dr Rehina Habib Kanth, said sustainable technologies could play a significant role in reducing drudgery, improving productivity and enhancing livelihood security in rural areas.
Prof Masood Saleem Mir, Associate Director Extension, also highlighted the importance of technology-led interventions in improving the resilience of farming communities facing economic and environmental challenges.
Farmers who participated in the programme welcomed the initiative, saying access to improved inputs and technologies could help strengthen agricultural production and create new livelihood opportunities in remote tribal areas of the district.
