Agri Deptt conducts Kisan Goshti on Natural Farming practices in Markha

LEH: The Agriculture Department, Leh, on Tuesday organised a Kisan Goshti at Markha village under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme, where farmers were sensitised to sustainable farming practices, efficient water management and income diversification through a series of technical sessions and practical demonstrations.

Around 50 farmers participated in the programme, which focused on promoting organic and natural farming methods, integrated pest management and climate-resilient agricultural practices aimed at enhancing productivity while conserving natural resources.

Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Leh, Mohd. Ramzan, delivered a session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and highlighted the importance of obtaining Organic Certification, urging farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable cultivation practices.

Agriculture Extension Officer, Kharu, Kunzang Dolma, conducted an awareness session on organic and natural farming, explaining their role in improving soil health and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.

Agriculture Extension Officer, Leh, Tsering Dolkar, spoke on the benefits of the Ladakh Greenhouse for year-round cultivation and encouraged farmers to adopt Micro Irrigation Systems to improve water-use efficiency and increase crop productivity.

As part of the programme, officials conducted practical demonstrations on the preparation and application of Jeevamrit, Beejamrit and Agniastra, highlighting their use in natural farming. Farmers were also introduced to mushroom cultivation as an alternative livelihood option to supplement farm income.

Vegetable seeds and waste decomposer were distributed among the participants to encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers discussed local agricultural challenges and sought technical guidance from resource persons.