Balanced Use of Agricultural Inputs Promoted under Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Narve, North Goa

23 October 2026, Goa

The Directorate of Agriculture, ATMA–North Goa, and the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Mormugao, Goa, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa, organized Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA–Rabi 2026) at Narve village, Bicholim taluka, North Goa, today. The programme aimed to sensitize farmers to sustainable horticultural crop production through the balanced and judicious use of agricultural inputs, adoption of biological pest management practices, and effective utilization of natural farming inputs.

The campaign highlighted biological pest management, emphasizing the use of natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids, conservation of beneficial insects, and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce chemical pesticide use and maintain ecological balance.

Farmers were sensitized to the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers based on crop requirements and soil nutrient status. The importance of integrated nutrient management, organic manures, and compost was emphasized to improve soil health, enhance productivity, reduce cultivation costs, and maintain long-term soil fertility.

The preparation and application of natural farming inputs, particularly Jeevamrut and Dashparni Ark, were explained, highlighting their potential role in supporting plant growth and managing certain insect pests as part of sustainable crop management.

The recommended package of practices for nutmeg cultivation was also discussed, covering quality planting material, appropriate planting time and methods, intercropping, and integrated water and nutrient management for improved crop establishment, productivity, and sustainability.

A total of 50 farmers, comprising 12 men and 38 women, participated in the programme and benefited from the technical sessions. As part of the initiative, officials from the Directorate of Agriculture and ATMA North Goa distributed compost to the participating farmers to encourage the use of organic manures and promote sustainable soil fertility management.

(Source: ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa)