SRINAGAR, October 10, 2025 – A transformative two-day brainstorming workshop on “Integrating #Agroforestry for #Sustainable #OrganicFarming in #Kashmir” began at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Faculty of Forestry, Benehama, Ganderbal. Organized under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Project – Alternate Agriculture System for Sustainability, the event aims to chart a path toward climate-resilient and eco-friendly farming practices tailored to Kashmir’s unique agro-climatic conditions.Inaugurated by SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the workshop brought together over 40 stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and representatives from the Forest, Horticulture, and Sericulture Departments, as well as institutions like ICAR-CITH and IGFRI. Dr. Ganai emphasised the urgency of adopting #Agroforestry systems to address soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate variability in the region. “Integrating trees with crops can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and secure farmer incomes while aligning with #OrganicFarming principles,” he said.The keynote address by Prof. Javed Ahmad, a renowned agroforestry expert, highlighted successful models from Himalayan regions, where intercropping fruit trees like apple and walnut with legumes and vegetables has boosted yields by up to 25% while reducing chemical inputs.
He stressed that such systems could sequester 15-25 tons of carbon per hectare annually, supporting Kashmir’s transition to #Sustainable agriculture.Day one featured lively discussions on topics like agroforestry-based organic certification, technological innovations, and policy incentives for smallholder farmers. Participants explored how species like poplar, willow, and almond could be integrated with Kashmir’s famed saffron and vegetable crops to create resilient farming systems. A special session focused on empowering women farmers through agroforestry training, aligning with HADP’s inclusivity goals.The workshop’s second day will include field visits to demonstration plots showcasing #Agroforestry models and practical sessions on organic pest management. Organizers aim to produce a policy brief to guide the adoption of these practices across Jammu and Kashmir, potentially transforming the region’s agricultural landscape.
