Diploma in organic farming at HMV draws good response

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 23

A UGC-sponsored skill-based course on ‘Diploma in Organic Farming’ is getting a good response at Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.

The course got started two years back. The students of this course from session 2019-20 have qualified the NSQF level-IV exam conducted by the Agriculture Skill Council of India with ‘O’ grade. Coordinator Community College, UGC skill-based courses, said that after completing diploma in organic farming, students are able to set up their own organic farms/kitchen garden/terrace garden and harvest chemical-free produce which is in high demand in today’s era of pollution.

In addition to this, some of the students have also set up vermicompost/compost unit at their home and produce compost from kitchen waste. Dr Anjana Bhatia, head, PG department of botany, emphasised that by setting up the compost units, students prove to be responsible citizens and provide help to Municipal Corporation by managing their own waste.

Dr Nitika Kapoor, course coordinator, informed that to create awareness among the students about latest techniques of organic farming, college has collaborated with Kheti Virasat Mission, Jaitu, Faridkot and other local nurseries. Various tours to different organic farms and workshops/extension lectures are also arranged to inculcate good practices of organic farming among students.

In continuation to this, PG department of botany organised workshop on organic farming under industry-academia interface (Community College Scheme), where Umendra Dutt (Executive Director) from Kheti Virasat Misssion was a resource person. He discussed in detail about the need of organic farming in today’s time and explained that organic farming is ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. The use of chemicals and genetically modified organisms is totally prohibited in organic farming.

Instead of these the use of natural preparations like Jeev Amrit (cow urine), Beej Amrit (cow dung+ urine+roasted lime), neem leaves, and garlic powder are promoted to protect the crops from pathogens and to enhance their yield. Prof Adarsh Pal Vig, Director, HRDC, GNDU, Amritsar, explained the students about vermincompost and its use in organic farming. Besides, students of organic farming also visited Bhagat Puran Singh Organic Farm, Jandiala Guru, Amritsar, where Dr Rajbir Singh, director of farm, elaborated about various organic farming techniques.