SRINAGAR:An Input Distribution cum Awareness Programme was organized by KVK, Ganderbal, SKUAST-K under the ICAR-sponsored competitive grant project “Strengthening Livelihoods and Agricultural Resilience of Tribal and Marginal Farmers in Ganderbal District through Technology-Driven Resource Packages.”
The project was conceived under the visionary guidance of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, with the mission of “reaching the unreached” and ensuring that tribal and marginalized farming communities are empowered through science-led, eco-friendly interventions.
Dr. Rehina Habib Kanth, Director Extension SKUAST-K, presided as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Masood Saleem Mir, Associate Director Extension, was the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries highlighted the transformative role of sustainable technologies in reducing drudgery, improving yields, and enhancing livelihood security for tribal farmers.
Dr. Ajaz Malik, Head KVK, Ganderbal and Principal Investigator of the project, explained that the initiative provides a comprehensive suite of eco-friendly inputs and tools designed to strengthen farming systems and household resilience. Farmers received a wide range of support including seed kits, horticulture kits, soil health kits, plant protection kits, biofertilizers, biopesticides, silage bags, portable vermibeds for vermicompost production, farm tools, kitchen garden kits, and other resource materials
Dr. Ajaz Malik further stated that the project will cover more than 8 villages and nearly 800 households, aiming to transform tribal agriculture into a model of sustainability and prosperity. The distribution was deliberately broad-based, covering multiple aspects of farming from crop production and soil health to household nutrition, fodder management, and drudgery reduction so that tribal farmers can adopt holistic, sustainable practices. By equipping them with modern tools and eco-friendly technologies, the project promotes organic farming, diversified income streams, and long-term sustainability and also aimed at reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby aligning with the national initiative of Khet Bachao Abhiyan. Farmers expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that such initiatives bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to communities that have long remained underserved.