Shillong, Oct 22: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Meghalaya today launched the nationwide convergence campaign ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026’ with focus on soil health, sustainable agriculture and scientific farming.
The campaign under the theme “Healthy Soil, Prosperous Farmers” was simultaneously launched at the national level by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Karnal, Haryana.
In Jaintia Hills, KVK Jaintia Hills in collaboration with the District Agriculture Officer (DAO) and District Horticulture Officer (DHO) and Research Officer, West Jaintia Hills launched the campaign at Horticulture Hub, Thadlaskein. BDO Thadlaskein Dr. H. Niang attended as chief guest and cautioned against indiscriminate pesticide use, urging crop rotation.
Senior Scientist and Head Dr. D. Rymbai outlined objectives, DAO L. Phawa stressed use of Soil Health Cards and highlighted selection of Jaintia Hills under PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, while DHO S. Kynjing spoke on Viksit Bharat and high-yielding varieties. Exposure visits and biopesticide demonstrations were conducted.
In West Khasi Hills, KVK West Khasi Hills, Nongshillong in collaboration with District Agriculture Office, Eastern West Khasi Hills launched the campaign emphasising balanced fertiliser use based on soil tests, organic manures, crop rotation and prevention of soil degradation.
In East Garo Hills, the campaign was launched at the DAO Training Hall, Williamnagar. DHO A.V.D. Shira urged farmers to diversify into vegetable cultivation for nutritional security and income, while DAO Babynna Ch. Marak called for utilisation of departmental schemes and scientific practices.
Shade nets and vegetable seed kits were distributed, five best-performing women farmers were felicitated and the KBA vehicle was flagged off.
In South Garo Hills, CAU-KVK South Garo Hills launched the Rabi campaign at Jetra village, Chokpot with participation of 112 farmers. Head of KVK, SMSs, Farm Manager and ATMA officials attended.
Lectures on soil testing, Soil Health Cards, biofertilizers, biopesticides and natural farming were held, along with demonstrations on Neemastra, vermicomposting and seed treatment with Trichoderma. Winter vegetable seeds, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, vermibeds and folders on natural farming were distributed.
Officials said the campaign will strengthen coordination between KVKs, Agriculture and Horticulture departments, ATMA and ICAR through demonstrations, training and advisories for Rabi season.
