As part of the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan being conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Kargil, a Farmers’ training and awareness camp under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) was organised at Faroona village in TSG Block of Sankoo Sub-Division on June 10.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local farmers and aimed to enhance awareness about sustainable agricultural practices and various farmer welfare schemes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Nazir Hussain, Scientist at KVK Kargil-I, attended the programme as the resource person and delivered detailed sessions on organic farming, natural farming, soil health management, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. He emphasised the need to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and adopt eco-friendly farming methods to ensure long-term sustainability and improved agricultural productivity.

The camp was attended by Ashiq Hussain Basharat, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil; Abdullah, Assistant Agrostologist; Rinchen Angmo, Agriculture Extension Officer, Sankoo; Regzin Dolma, Junior Agriculture Extension Officer, TSG Block; along with zonal staff of the Agriculture Department, Sankoo.

During the interaction session, farmers were informed about various departmental schemes and interventions aimed at increasing farm income and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. Application forms for several departmental schemes, including the Ladakh Greenhouse Scheme, were distributed among eligible beneficiaries.

A special PM-KISAN Saturation Drive under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme was also conducted to facilitate greater access to institutional credit for farmers. As part of the drive, 22 e-KYC cases were successfully completed, while eight PM-KISAN death-case updations were processed on the spot to ensure that beneficiary records remain updated and accurate.

The Department reiterated its commitment to reaching every farmer through the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and ensuring maximum coverage of government schemes, technical guidance, and financial inclusion initiatives across all villages of the district.

The participating farmers appreciated the Department's efforts and expressed their willingness to adopt improved, sustainable farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity and conserve natural resources.