Banagund Kakapora is the first village in the district, which has gone organic by limiting the use of synthetic inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives, a spokesperson said.
The farming relies upon the crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, off farm organic waste and biological system of nutrient mobilisation.
Government has also started its first comprehensive scheme on Organic Farming in 2015 called Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in which a group of farmers owning a total area of 20 hectares are incentivised optimally
Department of Agriculture Monday organized a function to felicitate the farmers of Bangund hamlet which was declared first model Organic vegetable village in the State in 2017.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, G M Dar was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, DDC said that Organic farming is evolving in all the countries around the world and the culture of organic farming would usher a movement towards sustainable development. He reiterated that organic farming would enhance the income of farmers and lead to a healthy lifestyle and better food habits amongst people.
DDC stressed upon the officials of the agriculture department to implement Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna and provide all logistic and technical support to the farmers. He also stressed for widening the base of farming as more crops should be brought into its ambit. DDC directed the Chief Agriculture Officer to make an action plan for marketing of organic produce and mobilize the forward and backward linkages.
Later on, DDC awarded the committed farmers with the certificate testimonials.
The organic farming certificates are being issued by BIOCERT International Pvt Ltd. India which is national nodal agency for declaring a particular farmer produce organic. BIOCERT works in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt of India.
Chief Agriculture officer, Managing Director Biocert international Pvt ltd, Technical Director, District information Officer, Sub-divisional Agriculture officer, other concerned officers and large number of farmers were present on the occasion.