Programmes aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills in soilless agriculture, meet the agri challenges of future in urban areas Programmes aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills in soilless agriculture, meet the agri challenges of future in urban areas

Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir, conducted five one day awareness programs across Kashmir Valley on “Soilless cultivation to secure the vegetable demand of urban and peri-urban population”.

The programmes were conducted at Sopore, Anantnag, Pulwama, Tangmarg and Wadura in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The awareness programs organised by the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, are an innovative and sustainable farming methods that can help secure the vegetable demand of urban and peri-urban populations. Progressive farmers and youth from rural areas and adjoining areas attended the awareness programmes. Every programme was targeted at fifty participants comprising rural youth and progressive farmers.

Experts threw light on soilless cultivation methods which offered numerous advantages that contribute to maximizing yields and promoting sustainability in agriculture. By providing controlled, efficient, and environmentally friendly growing conditions, soilless cultivation has the potential to help meet the growing demand for fresh, nutritious vegetables while reducing the ecological impact of traditional farming, the participants were told.

Addressing the programmes, Program coordinator and Associate Professor, Division of Vegetable Science SKUAST-K, Dr Shahnaz Mufti said that the rapid urbanization and population growth in urban and peri-urban areas have increased the demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables. She said Soilless cultivation offers a viable solution to achieve these goals. By eliminating the need for traditional soil-based agriculture, soilless cultivation allows vegetables to be grown in controlled environments, making it possible to produce high-quality crops consistently, regardless of climate or space constraints, she added.

The Program coordinator acknowledged the efforts and support of the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Nodal Officer, MSME, Prof. H. R. Naik and Dean Faculty of Horticulture Prof. Shabir Hussain Wani and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for having supported and sponsored the awareness programme.