Training programme on "Mulching for Sustainable Agriculture" concludes
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, October 14 2026: The 2-day training programme on "Mulching for Sustainable Agriculture" held at the hall of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel concluded today.

The training programme was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-KVK Chandel.

Dr Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), delivered the main lecture today, said a press note by KVK Chandel.

He stressed the need and importance of making mulching a habit with a prime focus on the importance of resource conservation in the fields and to advocate for the sustainable management of the precious fertile soil from being eroded away.

He mooted that mulching practices should be practiced with the leftover paddy straw which is otherwise discarded or burnt.

He explained that this healthy practice aids in moisture conservation by reducing soil water evaporation, and assists in weed suppression by blocking sunlight to inhibit weed growth by 50-95 percent.

He further said that mulching helps in temperature regulation by keeping the root zones cooler in hot weather and warmer during cooler periods.

By preventing heavy rains and wind from eroding fertile topsoil with the organic breakdown adding vital nutrients, this simple practice is a great means for soil health and erosion control, he added.

He also reiterated that paddy straw, crop residues, dried leaves, etc decompose over time, feeding soil microbes and improving structure.

On top of that this is a time-tested means for yield enhancement Dr A Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Chandel; Dr Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture); Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding); Kamei Super, Programme Assistant (Farm) and Hb Lungni, Senior Research Fellow, NICRA Project were also present in the programme.

Seeds of French beans and seedlings of cabbage were distributed to the farmers, added the release.

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