Jan 13:District Kulgam has earned a moment of pride as scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kulgam have been conferred the Best Poster Presentation Award by ICAR–ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana. The award recognises their impactful research work titled “Upscaling Integrated Dairy and Vermicomposting Units to Realise Economic Goals”, which focuses on sustainable farming practices and income enhancement for rural households.
The award was received by Dr. Ab Shakoor Khandy, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, and Dr. Shahid A. Shergojry, whose collective efforts reflect a strong commitment to farmer-centric innovation and environmentally responsible agriculture. Their research highlights the integration of dairy farming with vermicomposting as a scalable and cost-effective model capable of boosting farm incomes while promoting soil health and organic waste management.
The awarded study demonstrates how integrated farming systems can help small and marginal farmers reduce dependency on chemical inputs, generate additional income streams, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. By combining dairy units with vermicomposting, farmers can convert organic waste into valuable manure, thereby lowering production costs and improving crop productivity.
Experts have noted that such models are particularly relevant for regions like Kashmir, where landholdings are small and the need for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture is increasingly important. The success of the KVK Kulgam scientists underscores the vital role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in translating research into practical solutions that directly benefit farming communities.
The achievement has been widely lauded by local administration, agricultural institutions, and the farming fraternity, who see it as a testament to the growing research capacity and innovation ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. It also reinforces the importance of extension services in empowering farmers with modern, sustainable techniques aligned with national goals of doubling farmers’ income and promoting natural farming.
The recognition by ICAR–ATARI, a premier institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, further validates the relevance and scalability of the work carried out by the KVK Kulgam team. Their contribution is expected to inspire wider adoption of integrated dairy and vermicomposting units across the region and beyond.
This honour is a matter of immense pride for District Kulgam and reflects the dedication of its agricultural scientists towards farmer welfare, rural development, and sustainable growth. The continued success of such initiatives will play a crucial role in strengthening the agrarian economy and improving the quality of life for farming households.
Warm congratulations have been extended to the award-winning scientists, with best wishes for their continued efforts in serving the farming community and advancing sustainable agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
