Correspondent
DIMAPUR/WOKHA, JUN 17 (NPN): As part of the nationwide flagship campaign “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” (Save the Farm Campaign), being observed from June 1 to 30 to promote soil health and sustainable agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Nagaland have been actively conducting awareness and training programmes in various districts.
At Old Riphyim village, Wokha, ICAR KVK organised an awareness cum input distribution programme where scientists delivered lectures and demonstrations on organic farming, soil sample collection, soil testing, soil health management and balanced use of fertilisers for sustainable crop production in hill agriculture. More than 200 farmers, farm women and rural youth attended the programme. Farmers were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly farming practices and integrated nutrient management approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of their farming systems.
To promote crop diversification, nutritional security and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies, critical agricultural inputs, including Biofortified Quality Protein Maize (HQPM), groundnut and soybean (KDS variety) seeds, were distributed to the participants.
Critical inputs including Biofortified Quality Protein Maize (HQPM), groundnut and soybean (KDS variety) seeds were distributed to promote crop diversification and nutritional security.
In Dimapur, ICAR KVK in collaboration with Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Niuland, conducted a training cum awareness programme at Kiyezu B village. Dr. Bendangla Imsong, SMS (Plant Breeding), highlighted the objectives of the campaign and stressed the importance of soil health and sustainable practices. SMS (Plant Protection), E. Lireni Kikon, spoke on eco friendly pest management and use of bio pesticides, while ATMA BTM Dimalu urged greater awareness on sustainable farming technologies among rural communities.
Meanwhile, KVK Zunheboto under Nagaland University has covered 16 villages so far, conducting sarpanch sammelans, field demonstrations, and distribution of fruit saplings, bio fertilisers and bio pesticides. More than 1,800 farmers have been reached through the campaign. Principal Scientist and Head, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, described the initiative as a collective call to action for farmers, village institutions and youth to safeguard agriculture and ensure long term food security. He emphasized that rural prosperity lies in sustainable and profitable farming systems supported by scientific knowledge and community participation.