Pasighat, Jun 1: The Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide month-long campaign initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to improve soil health and promote sustainable agriculture, was launched at Rani village in East Siang district on Monday.
The programme was organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang, in collaboration with College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat. More than 76 farmers from Rani village and adjoining villages participated in the awareness programme.
Attending the launch event, CHF Dean Dr L Wangchu emphasized the importance of maintaining soil fertility through balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing, reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, and adopting environmentally sustainable farming practices. He also encouraged farmers to embrace scientific and climate-resilient agricultural methods for long-term productivity and income enhancement.
Among the distinguished guests were Dr P Debnath, Professor, CHF Pasighat; Kaling Jamoh of BJP Kisan Morcha, East Siang; Takut Panyang, Chairman of Dite Mopang Welfare Society, Sille-Oyan; and Opong Moyong, District Agriculture Officer, East Siang. The speakers highlighted the significance of conserving soil resources and called for collective efforts to strengthen sustainable agricultural development in the district.
Principal Scientist and Head of KVK East Siang as well as Chief Nodal Officer of the campaign, Dr Brijendra Singh Rajawat, outlined the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. He highlighted key focus areas such as balanced fertilizer use, promotion of natural farming, improvement of soil health, access to government welfare schemes, and dissemination of weather-based crop advisories.
Farmers were sensitized on soil health management, organic and natural farming practices, PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and climate-resilient agricultural technologies.
Technical sessions were conducted by the KVK team comprising Dr Rakesh Salam, Dr Milind Katare, Dr Eloni Vida, Dr L Neeta, Dr Jome Rime, Monisha, and T Tatan.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers actively engaged with experts and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable farming practices and soil conservation for enhanced agricultural productivity and livelihood security.