Correspondent
PASIGHAT, 11 Jun: The Siang district Agriculture Department is conducting a month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan, covering 30 villages of the district, which has been underway since 6 June.
As a part of the series of programmes, the department conducted a campaign at Sine village in Boleng circle on Wednesday.
It had earlier conducted such campaigns at Boleng and Lileng villages, in the presence of PRI leaders and progressive farmers.
Boleng Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Boum Padung urged rural farmers to adopt alternative and holistic techniques of sustainable farming practices, saying that these are eco-friendly and beneficial for maintaining soil health and water conservation.
He discouraged use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides in crop fields, saying that chemicals collapse the natural ecosystems besides adversely affecting human health.
The ADO also presented a brief on the use of biofertilisers and integrated pest management in cereal crops and vegetables.
The officials during the campaign informed the farmers about the central-government policies under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, which aim to restrict excessive use of chemical fertilisers, boost natural farming systems, and promote soil health management.
The organisers later formed a village level committee to restrain the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and other synthetic products in crop fields.
Meanwhile, the East Kameng Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Pampoli organised awareness programmes on the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Nichoba and Fenche villages on Thursday.
Sixty-six farmers participated in the programmes, which promoted sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture by creating awareness about soil health management, soil testing, and use of soil health cards for balanced nutrient application.
The farmers were sensitised to the harmful effects of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and were encouraged to adopt natural and organic practices, such as green manuring, vermicomposting, and bio-fertilisers.
The participants were also informed about scientific farming methods, water conservation, improved sowing and seed treatment practices, identification of counterfeit agricultural inputs, and government support schemes, including PM-KISAN, kisan credit card, and crop insurance.
In Lower Dibang Valley district, around 36 farmers and farmwomen participated in an awareness programme on Khet Bachao Abhiyan, organised by the district agriculture office and the KVK at Rayang village on Thursday.
KVK Head Dr Deepanjali Deori spoke on balanced use of fertilisers, and suggested following natural farming. She also briefed the participants on the importance and benefits of registration of farmers’names in the Kisan Sarathi portal.
Plant protection expert Toktel Boko created awareness about natural farming and preparation and use of beejamrit and jeevamrit in agriculture for better plant growth. She informed the farmers about balanced use of fertilisers, and advised them to take proper guidance from technical experts before using.
The KVK agronomist dwelt on preservation of indigenous seeds, natural ethnic cultivation practices,and the importance of vermicomposting. She also gave information about the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act.
