Prof. (Dr.) Parshant Bakshi
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, blessed with diverse agro-climatic conditions, holds immense potential for Organic and Natural Farming. Growing awareness about health, sustainability, and environmental conservation has led to a gradual shift among farmers and consumers towards chemical-free agricultural practices. In the Jammu region, organic and natural farming is emerging as a promising avenue for sustainable development, improved soil health, and enhanced livelihood security for small and marginal farmers.
Status of Organic and Natural Farming in Jammu Region
Jammu region’s predominantly rainfed agriculture, traditional cropping systems, and low baseline use of synthetic inputs make it ideally suited for organic conversion. Over the past few years:
4Area under organic cultivation is expanding: Encouraged by government schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), and initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) of J&K.
4Farmers are adopting natural farming techniques: Practices like use of cow dung and urine-based formulations (e.g., Jeevamrit, Beejamrit), mulching, crop rotation, and biological pest control are gaining popularity.
4Demand for organic produce is rising: Health-conscious consumers in urban centers of Jammu, Kathua, and Udhampur are showing interest in chemical-free fruits, vegetables, pulses, and cereals.
4Certification and marketing remain challenges: While interest is growing, there is a need for robust certification mechanisms, market linkages, and value chain development to ensure fair returns to farmers.
Role of Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, SKUAST-Jammu
Recognizing the significance of organic and natural farming, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) established the Centre for Organic and Natural Farming at Chatha campus. This Centre has been playing a pivotal role in promoting and institutionalizing organic agriculture in the region. Its major contributions include:
4Capacity Building and Awareness Generation
The Centre regularly conducts trainings, workshops, and field demonstrations for farmers, extension workers, and entrepreneurs.It disseminates knowledge on preparation and application of organic inputs, pest management through natural means, and post-harvest handling of organic produce.
4Development of Infrastructure
The installation of a bio-fertilizer production unit under HADP’s Project 16 on Alternate Agriculture System for Sustainability is a significant milestone. This unit will cater to the need for quality organic inputs for farmers in the region.
The Centre has established model organic farms to showcase best practices in natural and organic farming.
4Research and Technology Development
Scientists at the Centre are engaged in research on region-specific organic packages for fruit crops, vegetables, pulses, and cereals.
Studies are being carried out on soil health improvement, organic nutrient management, and biological pest suppression under organic systems.
4Policy and Advisory Support
The Centre provides expert inputs for state-level policy formulation on organic and natural farming.It works closely with line departments, NGOs, and farmers’ organizations to create a supportive ecosystem for organic agriculture.
4Promoting Market Linkages
Efforts are underway to facilitate certification processes and connect farmers to organic markets, thereby improving the economic viability of organic farming.
Way Forward
The Jammu region is on the verge of an organic transformation, driven by increasing awareness, ecological necessity, and institutional support from SKUAST-Jammu’s Centre for Organic and Natural Farming. Going forward, scaling up these efforts requires:
4Strengthening of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) dedicated to organic produce.
4Streamlined certification and branding of Jammu’s organic products.
4Development of value chains and organic clusters.
4Enhanced convergence of research, extension, and market initiatives.
The Centre for Organic and Natural Farming will continue to serve as a hub of innovation and capacity building, guiding the region towards a sustainable and resilient farming future.
(The author is Head, Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, Chatha, SKUAST-Jammu)