NAMSAI, 1 Jun: The Namsai Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) organised a ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ at its office premises here on Monday.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched the month-long (1-30 June) Khet Bachao Abhiyan as a common roadmap focusing on preparing farmers for the upcoming kharif season, increasing cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, soil health management through balanced use of fertilisers, and natural farming. The campaign is being spearheaded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
During the programme, farmers took part in discussions with KVK officials regarding crop planning for the upcoming kharif season. The officials explained the appropriate time, quantity and method of application of fertilisers and organic manures, as well as alternative sources of fertilisers such as green manuring, biofertilisers, etc.
Crop rotation with pulses was explained, along with natural farming components for seed treatment and disease-pest management.
Farmers from Lathao, Momong and Nanam Khamiang villages attended the programme, and were provided with climate resilient variety (Ranjit Sub 1) paddy seed.
In Leparada district, a Khet Bachao Abhiyan awareness programme was organised by the ICAR Arunachal Pradesh Centre in Basar, in collaboration with the West Siang KVK, on 1 June.
Twenty-five farmers from various villages of Leparada and West Siang districts participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering ICAR AP Centre senior scientist Dr Joken Bam emphasised the importance of balanced fertiliser application for maintaining soil health and improving crop productivity.
West Siang KVK Head Dr Manoj Kumar stressed the importance of balanced fertilisation in crops such as millets and toria, followed by green manure crops, to enhance soil quality and increase cropping intensity in the region.
Soil science expert Dr Ampee Tasung highlighted the importance of lime application in acidic soils, and advocated construction of terraces in agricultural and jhum lands for soil moisture conservation and prevention of soil erosion.
Scientists of the ICAR AP Centre interacted with the farmers and discussed topics such as soil test-based fertiliser application, soil health cards, and integrated nutrient management.
KVK plant breeding scientist Dr Rita Nongthombamand soil science programme assistant Wangnem Rekhung delivered lectures on organic seed production and nutrient management in cole crops. (PTI)
