Agartala, 26th October 2026 : With a focus on soil conservation, ecological sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sepahijala, CAU (I), Tripura, organized the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign) at Baniachara, Mohanbhog R.D. block, Sepahijala Tripura. The initiative seeks to promote natural farming systems, improve soil fertility, strengthen scientific understanding of nutrient dynamics, and encourage the judicious utilization of agricultural resources for sustainable crop production.
The campaign is being conducted under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, with technical guidance from Dr. Ng. Iboyaima, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, CAU, Imphal, and Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya. The programme is coordinated under the guidance of Prof. Arun Bhai Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, and supervised by Dr. Shatabhisa Sarkar, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK-Sepahijala.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Shri Krishna Sarkar, Pradhan, Baniachara; Shri Gurupad Das, Upa Pradhan, Baniachara; and Smt. Durgarani Das, Member, Panchayat sameti, Mohanbhog R.D. block. Scientific and technical participation was provided by Dr. Utpal Dey, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection); Dr. Ayam Pushparani Devi, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture); Pijush Debbarma, Programme Assistant (Laboratory Technician), KVK-Sepahijala; and other local stakeholders.
Addressing the farmers, Shri Krishna Sarkar underscored the importance of maintaining soil productivity through environmentally sound agricultural interventions. He emphasized that the adoption of sustainable cultivation practices, particularly during the Rabi season, could contribute to the conservation of soil resources, improved farm management and the long-term viability of agricultural production in the village.
Durgarani Das highlighted the practical relevance of natural farming and drew attention to the potential consequences of excessive and indiscriminate application of synthetic agricultural inputs. Demonstrating the preparation of Beejamrut, she explained its role in seed treatment under natural farming practices. She also encouraged farmers to assess field conditions and crop performance under different management systems to develop a better understanding of sustainable agricultural approaches.
Gurupada Das called upon farmers to actively engage in the campaign and incorporate environmentally compatible practices into their farming operations. He emphasized the importance of preserving soil fertility, supporting agroecological balance and producing safe, good-quality agricultural commodities through responsible farm management.
The technical session was conducted by Dr. Utpal Dey, who elaborated on the scientific principles of soil health management, integrated nutrient management and efficient utilization of agricultural inputs. He emphasized the importance of maintaining soil biological activity, enhancing nutrient availability and sustaining soil fertility through appropriate agronomic practices. A practical demonstration on the preparation of jeevamrut, neemastra was organized to familiarize farmers with its preparation and potential role in supporting soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling. The session also highlighted the importance of pulse cultivation and oilseed production in diversified cropping systems to improve soil health, promote efficient resource utilization and enhance agricultural sustainability.
Particular emphasis was placed on soil-test-based nutrient management and balanced fertilizer application in accordance with Soil Health Card recommendations. Farmers were sensitized to the benefits of incorporating leguminous pulse crops into crop rotations, as biological nitrogen fixation contributes to soil nitrogen enrichment and may reduce dependence on external nitrogen inputs. Crop rotation involving pulses, oilseeds and other crops was encouraged to improve nutrient-use efficiency, diversify farm income, disrupt pest and disease cycles, and maintain soil productivity. The adoption of these scientific practices can help minimize imbalanced fertilizer use, reduce input costs, conserve soil resources and strengthen the long-term sustainability and climate resilience of agricultural production.
The campaign represents KVK-Sepahijala’s continued efforts to bridge the gap between agricultural research and field-level implementation through farmer education, participatory learning and practical demonstrations. By integrating natural farming principles with scientific soil and nutrient management, the initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ technical capacities and promote resource-efficient, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable agricultural production.
