Shillong, Jun 2: Various institutes in Meghalaya are undertaking activities under the umbrella of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Farm Campaign), a month-long initiative in June.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) is a nationwide agricultural awareness and outreach campaign launched by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote sustainable farming practices, improve soil health and strengthen farm-level decision-making.
The campaign focuses on educating farmers about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming and modern sowing techniques, water conservation and other advanced agricultural practices. Special field demonstrations and training programmes on soybean, paddy and pulse cultivation, improved seed use, laser land levelling and water-efficient farming technologies are also being organised.
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) West Garo Hills conducted an awareness programme at Aminda Simsang. The programme was attended by 23 participants. During the programme, participants were sensitised on the importance of soil health management, balanced fertilizer application and sustainable farming practices. Practical demonstrations on the use of the Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) for efficient nutrient management and the application of biofertilizers for enhancing soil fertility were also conducted.
Similarly, the KVK Ri-Bhoi under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, organised a training event today on ‘Green Manuring and Natural Farming for Sustainable Soil Health’, with 33 participants from five villages of Bhoirymbong block of Ri-Bhoi.
Trainers emphasized green manuring – growing specific legumes and fast-growing cover crops such as sunhemp, dhaincha and cluster bean – and incorporating them into soil to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhance soil structure and boost microbial activity.
The aim is to improve soil health and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by conducting demonstrations on farmers’ fields on green manure, organic manure, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and the correct application of agricultural inputs.
The College of Agriculture (CAU‑Imphal) at Kyrdemkulai organised a programme at Lummynri village where an awareness campaign was conducted focusing on the adverse impacts of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides on soil, environment and human health. The campaign highlighted the objectives of KBA.
Farmers were sensitized on the long-term benefits of adopting eco-friendly and soil-conserving agricultural practices. The Dean of the College, Prof Ram Singh, encouraged the farmers, particularly the rural youth, to benefit from the training and gradually adopt modern and precision agriculture practices.
The College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS) at Umiam launched the awareness campaign on KBA yesterday.
Participants were told of the importance of the campaign in the context of the ongoing Kharif season, emphasising awareness on natural farming, organic farming, balanced fertiliser use and sustainable agricultural practices.
As part of the initiative, student groups will engage with farmers and rural communities to disseminate knowledge on sustainable agriculture and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices.
