'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' reaches Imphal West as ICAR experts push sustainable practices
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 12 2026: As part of the month-long nationwide "Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Farmland)" campaign observed from June 1 to June 30, 2026, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Imphal West, under the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, organised an intensive awareness programme at Kachikhul Village, Imphal West today.

The campaign, launched by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeks to promote soil health conservation, sustainable agriculture, and scientific nutrient management.

It is being rolled out across the country through ICAR institutes, KVKs, State Agriculture Departments, and other extension agencies.

Outlining the objectives, Dr Th Motilal Singh, Subject Matter Specialist and Head In-charge, KVK Imphal West, underscored the urgency of conserving soil health through balanced nutrient application, adoption of sustainable practices, and judicious use of agricultural inputs.

He said indiscriminate fertilizer use and declining organic matter have emerged as major threats to farmland productivity.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Soibam Basanta Singh, Head, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, explained the critical link between soil health and food security.

He urged farmers to become stewards of their land, stressing that scientific nutrient management and eco-friendly practices would ensure longterm agricultural viability and higher incomes.

Resource persons Dr Ch Roben Singh, Dr K Suraj Singh, and officials from the District Agriculture Office, Imphal West, conducted technical sessions on soil testing, balanced fertilizer application, organic amendments, and integrated nutrient management.

They also addressed farmer queries on crop residue management bio-fertilizers, and reducing chemical dependency.

A total of 136 farmers from Kachikhul and neighbouring villages participated.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where fanners shared field-level challenges and received expert recommendations tailored to local soil conditions.

Officials said similar awareness camps will continue across the district throughout June under the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' to reach more farming communities.

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