Farmers Sensitized in Nainital and Almora Villages under 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' by ICAR-VPKAS, Almora

Under the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan'  being conducted under the guidance of Dr Lakshmi Kant, Director, ICAR–Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, farmer awareness and capacity building programs were organized in Supi, Kafli, Kasiyalek, and Bana villages of Nainital district, and Laukot village in the Bhikiyasain region of Almora.

The main objective of these programs was to sensitize farmers towards soil health conservation, balanced fertilizer use, organic and natural farming, integrated nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Scientists from the institute provided detailed information to the farmers on the importance of regular soil testing, soil health cards, the use of organic substances, and the balanced application of chemical fertilizers.

On this occasion, farmers were informed about various government schemes such as crop insurance, Kisan Credit Card, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, agricultural mechanization assistance, and the availability of quality agricultural inputs. Additionally, special discussions were held on improved varieties, the promotion of pulse crops, scientific cultivation of vegetable and horticultural crops, and alternative crops suitable for mountainous regions.

Considering local needs, farmers in Kasiyalek were informed about crops like turmeric, ginger, and asafoetida, which suffer relatively less damage from wild animals. In Laukot, emphasis was placed on water conservation, crop residue management, integrated farming systems, and climate-resilient agriculture. In Bana village, discussions focused on crop diversification and income enhancement through crops like kidney beans (rajma), vegetable peas, and beans.

During the programs, farmers highlighted major challenges such as damage to crops from monkeys, wild boars, white grubs (kurmula), and hailstorms. They also demanded the timely availability of agricultural inputs. The team of scientists engaged with the farmers on these issues, offered practical solutions, and called for moving towards sustainable, low-cost, and profitable farming.

These programs were conducted by a scientific team from ICAR–VPKAS, Almora. Farmers participated in these events with great enthusiasm and obtained scientific solutions to their problems through interactions with the scientists.

A total of 100 farmers, including 59 men and 41 women, actively participated in these programs.

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