ICAR-VPKAS, Almora Organises Farmer Awareness Programs in Five Villages of Almora under ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’

30 June 2026, Almora

Under the guidance of Dr Lakshmi Kant, Director, ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, organized farmer awareness and dialogue programs in five villages of the Dhauladevi development block and one village of the Tarikhet development block under the ongoing ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.

During the programs, the experts provided information to the farmers regarding soil testing, integrated nutrient management, balanced fertilizer use, application of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, mulching, row sowing, mixed farming, crop diversification, and techniques of organic and natural farming.

Women were specifically encouraged to maintain soil health and use fertilizers according to the recommendations of the Soil Health Card. Farmers were also made aware of government initiatives such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, Kisan Credit Card, and Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme.

Farmers primarily raised issues regarding crop damage by monkeys, wild boars, and stray animals, lack of irrigation in winter, and failure to get fair prices for vegetables; in response, the scientists provided information about fencing schemes and other protection measures.

In the farmer's meeting held in Pajina village of the Tarikhet development block, 41 farmers participated, including 20 men and 21 women. Farmers were informed about balanced fertilizer use, soil and water conservation, the impact of El Niño on rainfall distribution, integrated nutrient management, efficient use of water, and climate-smart agricultural practices. The farmers raised issues concerning irregular rainfall, damage by wild animals, soil fertility, and the availability of quality seeds.

In the programs held in Maniagar, Beena, Sela, and Toli villages of the Dhauladevi development block, 75 farmers participated, comprising 21 men and 54 women.

A total of 116 farmers participated in these programs, including 41 men and 75 women.

(Source: ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand)