ICAR-MGIFRI, KVK Parsauni and ATMA Join Hands to Strengthen Soil Health and Integrated Farming under Khet Bachao Abhiyan

23 June 2026, Motihari, Bihar

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–2026, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Parsauni, and the ATMA team, organized a Kisan Chaupal and farmer awareness programme at Janerwa village in Banjaria Block of East Champaran district, Bihar. The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge on soil health restoration, balanced fertilizer use, green manuring, crop diversification, farm mechanization, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

The programme highlighted the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among research institutions, extension agencies, and government departments in promoting balanced nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices. Participants were informed that farmer awareness and timely dissemination of scientific recommendations are critical for restoring soil health and improving farm productivity.

Technical sessions focused on the role of farm mechanization in sustainable agriculture, with special emphasis on laser land levelling, Happy Seeder technology, and efficient crop establishment methods. Farmers learned that laser land levelling improves irrigation efficiency, ensures uniform crop growth, reduces input costs, and enhances nutrient-use efficiency, while Happy Seeder technology helps reduce crop residue burning and promotes conservation agriculture.

The importance of green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania), along with the inclusion of green gram and Azolla as biological nitrogen sources in rice-based systems, was highlighted. Farmers were informed that green manuring improves soil organic matter, enhances microbial activity, strengthens soil structure, and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers.

The programme also emphasized the inclusion of at least one pulse crop in the annual cropping cycle to improve soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation while enhancing farm profitability and nutritional security. Participants were advised to follow crop planning, timely sowing, and crop calendar-based varietal selection according to local climatic conditions to maximize productivity, improve resource-use efficiency, and minimize climate-related risks.

Special sessions focused on the benefits of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), particularly for the waterlogged and flood-prone agroecosystems of North Bihar. Farmers learned how integrating crops, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, and other complementary enterprises can enhance income opportunities, improve resource recycling, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods. Fish-based farming systems were highlighted as particularly suitable for waterlogged and flood-prone areas.

Discussions on fish health management emphasized the importance of maintaining water quality, disease prevention, balanced feeding, and scientific management practices for improving fish productivity and profitability. Farmers were also encouraged to adopt vermicomposting as an eco-friendly and sustainable source of nutrients for field, vegetable, and horticultural crops, using locally available organic resources to improve soil biological health.

The programme further covered practical approaches for reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers through crop diversification, green manuring, biofertilizers, crop residue recycling, and conservation agriculture practices. Participants were encouraged to undertake regular soil testing and follow recommended fertilizer doses to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce unnecessary fertilizer expenditure.

Farmers were sensitized to the harmful effects of crop residue burning and informed about the benefits of residue recycling for improving soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, soil moisture conservation, and microbial activity.

The programme received an encouraging response from participants, who expressed their willingness to adopt balanced fertilizer use, green manuring, soil testing, crop diversification, farm mechanization, and integrated farming approaches in their farming systems.

A total of 42 farmers actively participated in the programme and interacted with scientists and extension personnel on issues related to soil fertility management, nutrient-use efficiency, sustainable crop production, and livelihood diversification.

The event concluded with a strong message that healthy soils, balanced nutrient management, biological nitrogen fixation, farm diversification, and Integrated Farming Systems are essential for building productive, profitable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. ICAR-MGIFRI, KVK Parsauni, and ATMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers through scientific advisories, field demonstrations, and sustainable agricultural technologies.

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