PULWAMA: In a serious effort towards organic farming in Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday declared Bungund village of Pulwama district as the model village for producing vegetables without chemicals and pesticides.
The village will be developed as a model organic vegetable village of Kashmir, agriculture minister Muhammad Khalil Bandh said on Saturday in a meeting of agriculture officials and farmers of the village, according to an official spokesperson.
The minister said the village will act as a model for replicating organic vegetable farming in the state gradually.
“It is important to start from somewhere. Besides having huge health benefits, organic farming is better for the environment as it reduces pollution, conserves water, reduces soil erosion, increases soil fertility, and uses less energy. Farming without pesticides is also better for nearby birds and animals as well as people who live close to farms,” he said.
The minister said that usage of artificial fertilizers will be restricted and agriculture department employees will guide the locals in organic farming.
He also directed the officials to provide 200 irrigation pump sets for providing irrigation to the vegetable farms at critical growth junctures, besides providing them with brush cutters.
To produce organic fertilizers, the village will have 20 vermi compost pits for producing organic fertilizers.
During the meeting, he stressed on the officers to revitalise the agriculture sector for the benefit of people of all areas.
He also thanked Chief Minister Mehbooba for prioritizing the schemes of the agriculture sector for the economic growth of farmer community.
Meanwhile, various delegations also called on the Minister from different areas of Pulwama and apprised him about their issues.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the government to equitably develop all areas of the state and assured them that their genuine demands will be fulfilled.