SRINAGAR: A two-day brainstorming workshop on “Integrating Agroforestry for Sustainable Organic Farming in Kashmir” under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Project – Alternate Agriculture System for Sustainability – commenced today at the Faculty of Forestry, Benehama Ganderbal, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
The programme was presided over by Dr. R.S.Chandale, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan and attended by Prof. H.R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof. M.K. Verma, Director CITH, Dr. A.H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Benehama and officers from Line Department and Research Institutes of the valley.
The inaugural programme began with a formal welcome address by Prof. G.M. Bhat, Head, Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry (SAF).
Welcome address was followed by an overview of the project on organic farming and its mandates, highlighting the core pillars of economy, equity, and ecology, which form the foundation of the programme’s objectives by Dr. Parmeet Singh, PI of the project.
A brief overview of the workshop’s agenda and expected outcomes was presented by Dean, Faculty of Forestry, who underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in implementing agroforestry-based organic farming systems and blending agroforestry with objectives of organic farming.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, addressed the gathering on the critical role of agroforestry and organic farming in mitigating climate change impacts in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the importance of adopting ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially equitable farming practices in everyday life.
Director, CITH, spoke on integrated organic farming approaches within agroforestry and horticulture systems, encouraging participants to consider scalable models for the region.
The Chief Guest, Prof. R.S. Chandel, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (UHF), delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the potential of sustainable organic farming systems, integrated with agroforestry practices, to transform agriculture in ecologically sensitive regions like Kashmir and other N.W. Himalayas.
The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. P.A. Sofi, Head, Division of Forest Products and Utilization (FPU), who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, speakers, and participants.
Inaugural session was coordinated by Dr. N.A. Pala, Associate Professor, Division of SAF.
A total of 35 participants from diverse sectors including the Forest Department, Horticulture Department, Sericulture Department, Central Silk Training & Research Institute, ICAR-CITH, and IGFRI are attending the workshop. The event aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and develop actionable strategies to promote sustainable, climate-resilient, and organic agroforestry systems in Kashmir valley.