Natural Farming Mission Launches Training Programs in Ladakh
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has kicked off two training programs in Ladakh, aiming to promote sustainable, chemical-free agriculture. Launched in November 2024, the NMNF seeks to empower farmers and protect fragile agro-ecological systems like those in Ladakh.
The programs, inaugurated on April 17, 2025, at SKUAST-K, are organized by the Directorate of Extension/SAMETI in collaboration with MANAGE Hyderabad, the Department of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. They target KVK scientists, officials, and master trainers from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, aiming to strengthen their capacity in natural farming.
The training programs feature expert-led technical sessions, immersive field visits, and hands-on training. They focus on improving soil health, lowering input costs, and enhancing food safety through natural farming methods. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasized the compatibility of natural farming with Ladakh's unique systems and the need to empower grassroots stakeholders. Additionally, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai proposed developing a mobile application to document indigenous and emerging agricultural practices in Ladakh.
The NMNF, with a goal to reach one crore farmers and establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres, is making significant strides in promoting sustainable agriculture. The recent training programs in Ladakh, coordinated by MANAGE Hyderabad, are expected to contribute to this mission by advancing natural farming practices and empowering local stakeholders.
