What's Happening?
The Agriculture Department in Jammu and Kashmir is advancing organic vegetable farming in the Sunderbani and Nowshera regions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support farmers with government-backed
schemes. The department is providing Hi-Tech Vermi-Compost units and polyhouses to enable year-round cultivation, even in harsh winters. These efforts are funded by centrally sponsored schemes aimed at promoting organic agriculture. Rajesh Kumar, a field officer, highlighted the successful use of vermicompost by local farmers, which is now being marketed effectively. The initiative also includes a 50% subsidy for converting cow dung into vermicompost, as part of a 14 lakh project under the HADP scheme.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it supports sustainable agriculture and enhances the livelihoods of farmers in remote areas. By promoting organic farming, the program aims to protect the ecosystem and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. The provision of vermicompost units and polyhouses not only boosts agricultural productivity but also provides employment opportunities in these regions. The initiative aligns with broader environmental goals and could serve as a model for similar programs in other parts of India, potentially influencing agricultural policies and practices.
