Farmers Learn Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture under Khet Bachao Abhiyan at ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari

23 June 2026, Motihari, Bihar

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–2026, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari organized a Kisan Chaupal and farmer awareness programme in East Champaran district of Bihar. The programme focused on promoting nature-based solutions, resource-efficient technologies, soil health restoration, and climate-resilient agricultural practices for sustainable farming.

During the technical sessions, the importance of soil-test-based nutrient management and balanced fertilizer use was emphasized. Farmers were informed that excessive and indiscriminate fertilizer application often increases production costs without proportionate yield gains while adversely affecting soil health. They were encouraged to integrate chemical fertilizers with organic manures, green manuring, biofertilizers, Azolla, and crop residue recycling to improve nutrient-use efficiency and long-term soil fertility.

The role of green manuring using leguminous crops such as Dhaincha (Sesbania) was highlighted, along with the incorporation of crop residues and organic materials into the soil to enhance soil organic carbon, microbial activity, and soil structure. The benefits of conservation agriculture practices, including zero tillage and direct-seeded rice (DSR), for reducing cultivation costs, conserving water, and ensuring timely crop establishment were also discussed.

Nature-based approaches for crop protection and soil health management were demonstrated, including the use of Trichoderma for seed treatment, seedling root dip, and soil application to suppress soil-borne diseases and improve root health. Farmers were also encouraged to use farmyard manure (FYM), neem-based formulations, and locally available biological inputs as alternatives to excessive chemical pesticide use.

Participants were trained on the preparation and use of Dashparni Ark, a traditional botanical formulation prepared from the leaves of ten locally available plants, including neem, karanj, castor, dhatura, papaya, guava, pomegranate, congress grass, and custard apple. The formulation was presented as an effective option for managing insect pests while reducing pesticide dependence and production costs.

Mechanization-based solutions for sustainable crop production were also highlighted, including laser land levelling, precision seeding technologies, zero-tillage seed drills, Happy Seeder technology, and efficient water management practices. Scientific land levelling was emphasized for improving irrigation efficiency, reducing water losses, ensuring uniform crop establishment, and enhancing nutrient-use efficiency.

Farmers were cautioned against the repeated and indiscriminate use of rotavators, which can lead to soil pulverization, shallow hardpan formation, and deterioration of soil structure. Appropriate tillage practices and periodic deep tillage were recommended to improve root growth, soil aeration, and water infiltration. Considering the flood-prone and waterlogged conditions of the region, farmers were advised to strengthen field bunds and adopt proper drainage and land-shaping measures.

The programme witnessed active participation from village representatives, Agriculture Coordinators, ATMs, BTMs, and progressive farmers. Participants discussed local challenges related to fertilizer use, soil degradation, waterlogging, tillage practices, pest management, and crop establishment. Scientists provided location-specific recommendations to address these issues through nature-based solutions, soil health management, conservation agriculture, and farm mechanization.

The programme concluded with a strong message that healthy soils, biological inputs, balanced nutrient management, and nature-based farming practices are essential for building productive, profitable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. ICAR-MGIFRI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through scientific advisories, field demonstrations, and sustainable farming technologies under the broader objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.

A total of 39 participants, including farmers, village representatives, and field-level agricultural functionaries, actively participated in the programme and interacted with scientists on practical solutions to address soil degradation, declining soil fertility, waterlogging, and rising cultivation costs.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)