Shillong, Jun 4: The ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign gets going in Meghalaya as various institutions conduct field visits to meet farmers promoting safe and quality pesticide use in agricultural practices.
The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Shillong, under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare held a one-day awareness programme at the Horticulture Hub, Thadlaskein Block, West Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Directorate of Agriculture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
During the programme, farmers were taught on the importance of safe, judicious, and need-based use of pesticides and promoted the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sustainable approach to crop protection.
Farmers were educated on the selection of appropriate pesticides, adherence to recommended dosages, waiting periods and label claims, as well as the safe handling, storage and disposal of pesticides. Special emphasis was laid on the need to minimise the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and to adopt environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The KVK West Khasi Hills organised the campaign at Nongshillong village, Mawthadraishan Block, Eastern West Khasi Hills. Technical session was conducted by the KVK Scientists on natural and organic farming, balanced use of fertilizers, followed by demonstration on soil collection, harvesting and threshing of buckwheat. A total of 86 farmers participated in the programme.
The campaign in West Garo Hills was conducted by the ICAR-KVK, at Nengjabolchugre village where participants were enlightened on the importance of soil health management, balanced fertilizer application, and sustainable farming practices. They were encouraged to use livestock manure as organic fertilizer and as a sustainable strategy in crop production.
