Basar (Arunachal Pradesh), 23 June 2026.
A multi-location Scientist–Extension–Farmers Interface Meeting on “Khet Bachao Abhiyan, Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Natural Farming System in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh” was successfully organized at Doji Deke and Limaroba villages on 10 and 23 June 2026. The programme was jointly conducted by ICAR-KVK West Siang, Basar and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar.
A total of 56 farmers participated in the two programmes, of which around 40% were women farmers. The event focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, soil health management, and natural farming practices in the region.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK West Siang. He highlighted the objectives of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” under the theme “Healthy Soil – Healthy Crop – Prosperous Farmer.” He also discussed various Government of India schemes for farmers, the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), promotion of natural farming, Azolla cultivation for nutrient management, and the importance of pulse-based cropping systems for enhancing productivity and sustainability.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR AP Centre, Basar, delivered lectures on Natural Farming, Green Manuring, Soil Testing, Pulses and Oilseed Mission, and Millet-based Farming Systems under natural farming practices. He emphasized balanced nutrient management, soil health improvement, and diversification through millets, pulses, and oilseeds for sustainable agricultural development in Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr. Binod Kumar Dutta Borah, Senior Scientist (Animal Reproduction & Gynaecology), ICAR AP Centre, Basar, highlighted the importance of livestock rearing for nutritional security and livelihood improvement of tribal farmers. He also spoke on integrated farming systems and farm waste management for improving soil fertility and resource recycling.
At Doji Deke village, the Agricultural Development Officer (ADO), Department of Agriculture, Aalo delivered a lecture on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), emphasizing eco-friendly pest control methods and the harmful effects of indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment.
The FPO Chairman of Liromoba, Shri Komjum Robin, encouraged farmers to actively participate in such Scientist–Farmer interface meetings and adopt the recommended practices to protect soil health, improve crop yield, and increase income.
Interactive farmer–scientist discussions were held during both programmes, providing a platform for farmers to share field-level issues and receive scientific solutions from experts. The participants actively engaged in the discussions and expressed strong interest in adopting the recommended practices.
Farmers appreciated the efforts of ICAR and KVK scientists and expressed satisfaction with the knowledge shared. They also requested more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future to strengthen their farming systems and livelihoods.
A total of seven vermicompost beds were distributed among farmers to promote organic manure production.
The programmes were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK West Siang. In the valedictory session, Mrs. Gosen Romin, GPM, Lirum Village, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all farmers, scientists, officials, and supporting staff for their cooperation and contribution to the successful organization of the programme.
