Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched
DOIMUKH, 5 Jun: Agriculture and Allied Minister Gabriel D Wangsu launched the statewide Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Tana Hari fish farm in Emchi village here in Papum Pare district on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, Wangsu called upon farmers, government officials, and the public to unite in protecting the state’s soil health through responsible agricultural practices.
Describing the campaign as a movement that deeply resonates with the people of Arunachal Pradesh, he said: “This abhiyan resonates deeply with our people. Over the years, we have neglected our indigenous food systems and overexploited our land.”
He further said that excessive use of chemical fertilisers has damaged both soil and water resources.
Encouraging farmers to embrace sustainable practices, the minister emphasised the need to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices, including natural farming and vermicomposting.
He described soil health conservation as “a meaningful tribute to the wisdom and legacy of ancestors who nurtured the land through traditional practices.”
“Saving our soil is not a political movement. It is our collective responsibility towards our land, our farmers, and our future. Though the results may not be immediate, we must persevere,” he said.
Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek noted that collective neglect of natural farming over the years has made this government intervention necessary.
“We have gradually moved away from natural farming, which has made such an awareness movement necessary. The campaign is ultimately about the health of our citizens and ensuring access to safe and healthy food.” he said.
Earlier, Papum Pare DC Lobsang Tsering in his address lauded the initiative, calling it “a visionary movement.”
Technical sessions on balanced use of fertilisers and natural farming practices were also conducted for farmers and stakeholders as part of the event.
The programme, organised by the Papum Pare district agriculture office, was attended by farmers, panchayat leaders, members of Kisan Morcha, and agriculture officials from across the district. Agriculture Director Nokliam Sumnyang, along with the joint director (plant protection), departmental officials, and farmers were also present.
The month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a nationwide awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote soil health management, balanced use of fertilisers, adoption of natural farming, reduction in edible oil consumption, and preparedness against drought conditions.
In Tawang, the district-level launch of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) was held on Thursday at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office, under the leadership of DC (i/c) Rinchin Leta.
The programme witnessed participation of key stakeholders, including District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Pema Dechhen, District Horticulture Officer (DHO) Koncho Gyatso, District Veterinary Officer (i/c) Dr Tsering Drema, District Fisheries Development Officer PK Thongdok, KVK Head Dr Anjanand Tripathy, representatives of panchayati raj institutions and community-based organisations, community resource persons, and officials from the Agriculture Department.
Addressing the gathering, DAO Dechhen highlighted the adverse effects of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides on soil health. He cautioned that continuous application of chemicals makes the soil acidic and less productive, while also posing serious health risks.
Pointing to the increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, he urged farmers to adopt traditional and sustainable farming practices, including the use of cow dung and green leaf manure. He also expressed concern over soil erosion and environmental degradation linked to chemical farming, noting that consumer preference is increasingly shifting towards organic produce.
DHO Gyatso informed the participants that the nationwide campaign has been initiated by the Union Ministry of Agriculture with the objective of promoting natural farming and safeguarding soil health. He stressed the need to reach every village with awareness messages on sustainable agricultural practices. Acknowledging that farmers in Tawang largely refrain from excessive chemical use, he called upon the community to discourage the use of chemical fertilisers, weedicides, and pesticides to ensure long-term soil fertility and agricultural sustainability.
The DC in his address emphasised the importance of protecting cultivable land from unplanned construction, and promoting organic farming practices. He noted that chemical inputs not only harm the environment but also destroy beneficial microorganisms and earthworms essential for healthy crop growth. He urged officials and community leaders to continue educating farmers through demonstrations and field-level awareness programmes even beyond the campaign period.
Highlighting the significance of crop rotation, he underscored its role in maintaining soil fertility and ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity.
Entomologist KB Kayastha informed that the Agriculture Department has already conducted awareness programmes on natural farming across most villages in the district. He added that community resource persons have been trained to further disseminate knowledge and encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of a book on natural farming published by the Agriculture Department, Tawang, under the National Mission on Natural Farming, by the DC.
During the programme, mobile handsets were distributed to community resource persons, who will serve as a crucial link between government departments and farmers. Soil health certificates were also distributed to farmers to promote scientific soil management and informed agricultural practices.
Meanwhile, on the 4th day of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in West Siang district, an awareness programme was organised by Basar (Leparada)-based ICAR AP Centre and the West Siang KVK at Ngomdir village on Thursday.
The programme was attended by 28 farmers from Nyomdir village, along with ZPM Karli Ngomdir, among others, besides an expert team comprising senior scientist Dr BKD Bora and Dr Patu Khate from the ICAR AP Centre, Basar, KVK Head DrManoj Kumar, State Agriculture Official Biny Lollen, the ADO, and officials from the district agriculture office.
Dr Kumar explained balanced use of fertilisers for better crop production, and explained natural farming for better soil health, climate resilient crops like millet cultivation, short duration crops like pulses,and crop diversification in the changing climate scenario.
Dr Bora spoke about organic milk and meat production through improved breed suited for the changing climate.
Dr Khate explained production of oilseeds and pulses, while Lollen explained the IFS model and organic insect pest management.
The farmers showed keen interest and actively participated, contributing to the overall success of the event. (With inputs from DIPROs)
