The Nagaland state launching programme of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha, on June 1. Organised by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha, the campaign aims to promote soil health, balanced fertiliser use and sustainable agricultural practices.
The month-long campaign seeks to create awareness among farmers on scientific farming methods, reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and encourage environmentally sustainable agriculture. It also focuses on improved soil health management, weather-based advisory services and the promotion of organic farming practices.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, called upon farmers to adopt organic farming and work towards greater food self-sufficiency. He emphasised that soil is the foundation of agriculture and stressed the need to preserve its health for sustainable crop production.
Highlighting Nagaland’s predominantly agrarian economy, he said that many entrepreneurial activities in the state are linked to agriculture, making soil conservation a matter of utmost importance. He noted that while farmers continuously draw nutrients from the soil, equal attention must be given to replenishing and maintaining its fertility through proper manuring and the judicious use of fertilisers.
“As the soil has its own capacity, we must ensure that its health is maintained he stayed and proper manuring and balanced use of fertilisers are essential for sustaining productivity and preserving soil quality,” he stated.
Speaking on the occasion of the Kheti Bachao Abhiyan, the Head of ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dr Sandeep Deshmuk highlighted on the campaign’s significance in protecting the livelihoods of farmers and securing the future of agriculture in the district. He expressed strong support for the Abhiyan’s goals of promoting sustainable farming, ensuring fair returns for produce, and safeguarding farmers against rising input costs and climate uncertainties.
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Emphasizing that healthy soil is the foundation of productive and lasting agriculture, Dr Deshmuk urged farmers to adopt sound soil health management practices such as soil testing, balanced nutrient use, crop rotation, and the use of organic manures and bio-fertilizers to restore and maintain soil fertility. Dr Deshmuk also championed organic and natural farming methods, noting that reducing dependence on chemical inputs not only lowers cultivation costs but also produces safer food and protects the environment for future generations.
Calling upon the farming community of Wokha to come together under the spirit of the campaign, Dr Sandeep Deshmuk encouraged farmers to embrace these eco-friendly and climate-resilient practices, make the best use of KVK’s trainings and advisory services, and work collectively to preserve their land and dignity.
He reaffirmed KVK Wokha’s commitment to standing with farmers in realizing the vision of the Kheti Bachao Abhiyan and building a self-reliant, prosperous, and food-secure agricultural future for the region.
A technical session on organic farming and green manuring was conducted by Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Megokhono Meyase, who highlighted the benefits of sustainable farming practices, the importance of enriching soil naturally and the role of green manure in improving soil fertility and long-term agricultural productivity.
The programme was chaired by CTO Dr B L Mhalo and also attended by Skill Development officer Anuranjan Singh and officials from the Agriculture and allied departments, scientists, farmers and other stakeholders. As part of the programme, soil amendments and agricultural inputs were distributed to farmers to support soil health management and enhance crop productivity.
