A Farmer’s training programme was conducted in NICRA village of KVK Kathua under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu. The programme was held under the energetic leadership of Dr B.N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and was conceptualized under the excellent direction of Dr Amrish Vaid, Director Extension SKUAST-Jammu and Dr Vishal Mahajan, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Kathua.
The theme of the farmer’s training programme was ‘‘Post Harvesting Technology’’ The objective of the programme was to provide information to farmers about how they minimize losses after harvesting their crops. There are more than 20 farmers have participated in the programme including farm women, farmers and rural youth.
The progressive farmer of the area Sh. Ganesh Dass welcomed the participants of the training programme and shared their experiences about his post-harvesting techniques. Despite that, YP-II of KVK Kathua, Mr Sushant Sharma gave a detailed view on post-harvesting techniques. He said that these techniques are crucial in agriculture because they determine the quality, safety, and value of the produce. Proper post-harvest techniques are essential for maximizing profits and reducing waste.
He highlighted the role and importance of various harvesting techniques either manual as well as by machines. Then, he briefed me about the different drying methods of grains after threshing. He explains that drying is the process of removing excess moisture from the grains. Proper drying results in increased storage life of the grains, prevention of deterioration in quality, reduction of biological respiration that leads to quality loss of grains and optimum milling recovery. In last, he discussed various storage methods for grains with farmers. He said that proper storage conditions including temperature and humidity control, help prolong the shelf life of grains.
Sh. Ramanand, the well-known farmer of the village also shared his views during the training programme related to storage conditions after harvesting the crops. He also said that post-harvesting techniques learned from scientists of KVK Kathua have been instrumental in improving the efficiency, quality, and profitability of his farm operations.
The different types of queries were raised by the farmers about post-harvesting techniques which were satisfactorily answered by the YP. The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by the Progressive farmer of the area Sh. Ganesh Dass.