RAMBAN: Training program on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for Krishi Udyamis (KUs) seeking fertilizer licenses commenced at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ramban. The training is being sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Ramban under the Innovative Approaches in Agriculture Extension component of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

A total of 20 Krishi Udyamis from various blocks of the district are participating in this capacity-building initiative, which aims to equip them with the necessary technical knowledge and regulatory understanding required for obtaining fertilizer retail licenses.

The inaugural session was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Dr. Vinay Kumar Jandial, accompanied by District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Kuldeep Raj Bassan and Jyoti Parkash Sharma SMS-DL as technical experts from the department.

The program is being technically coordinated by Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ramban Dr. Raj Kumar Gupta, who highlighted the importance of scientific nutrient management for sustainable Agriculture and emphasized the role of Agri-entrepreneurs in promoting balanced fertilizer use at the grassroots level.

In his address, CAO Ramban stressed the importance of empowering local youth and progressive farmers through professional training to enable self-employment and service delivery in the Agriculture Sector. He appreciated the support of KVK Ramban and reiterated the department's commitment to successful implementation of HADP interventions in the district.

The 15-day training will cover key topics such as Soil health and nutrient cycles, Organic and inorganic nutrient sources, Regulatory norms for fertilizer storage and sale, Record keeping and licensing procedures and Field-level demonstrations and practical exposure

This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening the fertilizer distribution network through trained and certified Krishi Udyamis and aligns with the broader objectives of HADP to transform J&K's agriculture sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development.