Kupwara, Apr 13: Eyeing to spread organic farming at large scale in this district, Agriculture Department as a first step has brought 50 hectares in Handwara under organic farming for Paddy, Maize and Vegetable crops.
In this connection the department in collaboration with International Panacea Ltd organized a ‘Farmers Awareness Camp on Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture’ at Environment Hall Handwara.
On this occasion, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, M.S Kutoo said that Department of Agriculture Kashmir has started centrally sponsored scheme on adoption and certification of organic farming in Kashmir with the aim for sustainable agriculture for better productivity through natural Bio-Inputs.
He said that organic farming has great relevance in the present scenario and has number of benefits for the farmers including sustainability of agriculture, reduction in the input costs, eco friendly and less hazardous, an official statement said.
He said the organic farming will add to their incomes as organic food products are in great demand in the present day health conscious world.
District Agriculture Officer, Farooq Ahmad said that under the scheme over a period of three years organic farming will be adopted and certified on cluster basis.
“Marketing facility will also be provided to the farmers to ensure high returns.”
Similar program in second phase will be started at Karnah and Machil like far flung areas of district Kupwara, where 200 hectares of land under cultivation of Potato, Paddy, Maize and Vegetables will be brought under organic farming during ensuing Kharief Season.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST