DIMAPUR: Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Dimapur, under the directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, conducted the Khet Bachao Abhiyan across villages in Nagaland from June 1 to 30, 2026 creating awareness among farmers on sustainable crop protection and safe use of pesticides.
The campaign promoted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an eco friendly approach to pest control, encouraging farmers to adopt biological, cultural and mechanical methods, and to use chemical pesticides only when necessary and in recommended doses. Experts highlighted that IPM reduces production costs, minimizes pesticide residues, conserves beneficial insects and ensures long term soil health.
During the awareness programmes, farmers were educated on safe and judicious use of agrochemicals, including reading product labels, wearing protective equipment, observing waiting periods before harvest, and proper storage and disposal of pesticide containers. Demonstrations were also held on calibration and operation of spraying equipment to prevent pesticide drift and environmental contamination.
Officials underscored the role of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) in regulating pesticides, advising farmers to purchase only CIBRC registered products from authorized dealers and to verify registration details, batch numbers, and expiry dates.
The campaign also stressed environmental safety and human health, warning against indiscriminate pesticide use that can pollute soil and water, harm pollinators and beneficial organisms, and pose risks to farmers and consumers. Farmers were encouraged to adopt bio pesticides, pheromone traps, sticky traps, neem based products and other eco friendly alternatives.
The programmes were conducted in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts, with large participation from farmers and farm workers.
