ZIRO, 30 Jun: The month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan – a nationwide initiative to protect soil health and secure the livelihoods of the farming communities – concluded in Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday.

Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, the campaign focused on taking care of the future farming community and the earth by reducing excessive chemical reliance and embracing sustainable and natural farming.

Over the course of 30 days, dedicated teams led by District Agriculture Officer Tasso Butung walked the fields alongside local farmers.

Rather than just providing instructions, Butung and his team, alongside specialists from Yachuli-based Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), sat down with the farmers to look at the health of their soil and offer practical, organic alternatives to harsh chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Through hands-on demonstrations, more than 600 local farmers learned the arts of vermicomposting, green manuring, and water conservation.

Under the guidance of the Agriculture Department, farmers were encouraged to transition towardsnatural farming under the central government’s National Mission on Natural Farming – a practice that breathes life back into the earth while significantly lowering cultivation costs for everyday families.

The success of the campaign relied entirely on genuine community connection, reaching 17 villages across the district.

During the campaign, local PRI members and farmer-producer organisations, departmental officials, officials from the NABARD, the State Bank of India, and the lead district manager also joined the village outreach programme. The team worked directly with community people to demystify essential financial safety nets, helping them connect with improved seeds, water-efficient farming methods, and vital government support like PM-Kisan and kisan credit cards. (DIPRO)