The ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, conducted a training programme today at Nenja Bolchugree village focusing on low-cost biochar production technologies and their beneficial impacts on soil health.
Priyanka Saha, Subject Matter Specialist in Agronomy, led the training by introducing the concept of biochar to the participating farmers. Total 25 farmers participated in the training. She explained in detail how biochar, when incorporated into agricultural soils, can improve soil fertility, enhance moisture retention, and contribute to increased crop yields over time. During the training, Saha highlighted the scientific principles behind biochar production and its cost-effective application in smallholder farming systems. She emphasised that biochar not only serves as a soil amendment but also plays a role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. The session included practical insights into preparing biochar using locally available biomass resources and simple techniques suitable for rural communities.
To ensure effective technology transfer, Saha identified and selected several progressive farmers who expressed keen interest in adopting biochar on their farms. These farmers will participate in on-farm trials to demonstrate application of biochar under real field conditions. The demonstrations are intended to showcase the practical benefits of this approach and encourage wider adoption among the farming community.
The farmers who attended were highly enthusiastic and engaged throughout the programme. Their willingness to implement the technology through on-farm demonstrations reflected their openness to innovative practices aimed at improving soil productivity and sustainability.
