Srinagar: One day training cum awareness program on Agro forestry was organized by Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, All India Coordinated Research Project on Ago forestry (AICRP-AF) , SKUAST-K at Gund Kangan , Ganderbal.
The Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Professor Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, was Chief guest of the function. About thirty farmers from the village and students from faculty of forestry batch 2022 participated in the program. Prof. G.M.Bhat, Head SAF and OIC of the project welcomed the guests and other officials from different departments. He threw light on different agroforestry models for enhancing the livelihood of rural people. He briefly discussed the package of practices of different fodder crops and tree species. On the occasion, fruit plants, Elm plants and fodder seeds were distributed among tribal farmers.
Professor Gangoo on the occasion started the process of making a cooperative for collection and marketing of Guchii. The cooperative was made in collaboration with the Forest Department and Faculty of Forestry. He said that this cooperative will boost the economy of tribal people and will open new livelihood options for the people. He further added that we should focus on preservation of medicinal plants available in our forest areas.
The students were taken to the adjoining villages for the Village Exploration Program which was headed by Dr Syed Naseem Geelani, SWO and Dr Nazir A Pala. Professor P.A.Khan,Head FBT said that the farmers should take advantage of these programs and should enhance their livelihood options. Dr Khursheed , Head Wildlife sciences said that by introduction of such fodder seeds we can minimize the Man-Animal conflict, because the wild animals don’t get so attracted to the fodder crops and grasses.
Dr Tariq A Rather told the farmers about the programs conducted under TSP and how they can get benefited from these programs.Dr Nazir A Pala, gave vote of thanks in which he said that AICRP-AF is thankful to the Director CAFRI, Jhansi Prof. Arunachalm and Professor AK Handa for their support and cooperation.

KR Desk