The KVK (agricultural extension centre) Ri-Bhoi organised a ‘special swacchta campaign’ yesterday at Thadnongiaw village, one of those adopted under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme, in Ri-Bhoi.
This is part of a month-long campaign running from October 2 to October 31.
Around 70 people participated in the event, including farmers, 33 school children and four KVK staff.
Dr Mokidul Islam, principal scientist and head of KVK Ri-Bhoi, highlighted the importance of clean and hygienic conditions at home and surrounding premises, including schools. He also encouraged the farmers to adopt suitable technologies with organic input production through composting and vermicomposting to reap good harvests and thus net higher returns.
Dr Meghna Sarma highlighted the importance of crop residue management in relation to our day-to-day agricultural activities, which includes protection of soil from erosion, addition of organic matter to the soil, moisture conservation and also improving infiltration, aeration, etc. She also highlighted the benefits of reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation and pollution.
Dr Utpal Barua later elaborated on the role of farmers with regards to protection of soil and water, air and also other natural resources in order to maintain a green and clean environment for our future generation. He also urged the gathering to judiciously use natural resources, which take time to replenish or replace.
Bankitkupar Mukhim, while addressing the gathering, spoke about the importance of following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour even though the number of cases has gone down drastically. With the outbreak of swine fever during the last two years, he also advised farmers to be more cautious and help each other in reducing the spread of the disease since there is no vaccine for it. He also urged farmers to keep and maintain a clean and hygienic condition for their animals and also to clean and sanitise ourselves after attending their animals so that no disease is transmitted from animals to humans.
A cleaning drive of the community hall and the surroundings was also organised followed by vegetable seed distribution.
