SRINAGAR: In an endeavour to bolster Integrated Farming System to ensure livelihood and economic security of small and marginal farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar organised a day-long workshop for promotion of sustainable Backyard Poultry Farming today at KVK campus, aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities and nutritional security for rural households.

The event was presided over by Prof. R. H. Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, as the chief guest and Prof. S A Simnani as guest of honour along with team of Kendra Scientists and officials from deptt of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Development besides the resource person on the subject.

Prof.Raihana in her valedictory remarks underscored the need to revive the tradition of old IFS to ensure the livelihood & economic security of small and marginal farmers through adoption of backyard poultry, Duckery, beepkeeping, Mushroom farming as commercial enterprise.

Head KVK Srinagar, Prof. S. A. Simnani provided an insight into outreach activities of the kendra in providing doorstep delivery of Agricultural technological intervention with the aim to make farming sector a commercially viable and attract youth towards farming sector.

Workshop coordinator, Dr Ishtiyak Mir gave a PowerPoint presentation to sensitise the participating poultry growers on scientific poultry rearing practices, disease management, and entrepreneurship opportunities and strategies for promotion of ecologically sustainable poultry farming.

He highlighted how adopting low-input, sustainable approaches can contribute to rural livelihood enhancement while reducing environmental impact.

The workshop witnessed active participation from farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, who lauded the initiative of the kendra in skilling development of rural youth to make them self reliant besides job provider for others.

The initiative aimed to promote sustainable backyard poultry farming as a tool for socio-economic upliftment.

At the end of technical session Keystone poultry birds were distributed amongst participating poultry rearers under FLD cum TSP-ICAR by Director Extension for popularisation of backyard poultry in the area.

Prof.Kanth further urged the KVK scientists to focus on peri-urban agriculture which has great scope given the ideal ecosystem of the area.

In view of emerging hazardous health and degrading soil health, Dr. Aasima highlighted the need for natural farming, while Dr.Showket spoke about the transition to biopesticide.