ITANAGAR, Sep 22: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longding led by A Kirankumar Singh initiated to make the farmers trained about sustainable Jhum (shifting) cultivation practices, aiming to address the critical issues of soil erosion, nutrient loss, and water scarcity that challenge traditional farming in the rainfed hill regions of Longding district.
As part of this effort, a training programme was organized at Mophakhat village under Kanubari circle, where Singh and his team introduced a scientifically designed Rabi crop package, featuring high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of mustard, lentil, pea and gram, combined with sustainable practices such as line sowing, proper crop spacing, organic manure application, crop rotation, intercropping, and mulching to improve soil structure and retain moisture.
Supporting this, Dr Amit Kumar, an expert in soil and water conservation, demonstrated low-cost, farmer-friendly techniques including contour bunding, vegetative barriers, bamboo check-dams, farm ponds, and cover cropping to prevent topsoil loss and enhance water retention in Jhum plots, especially during erratic rainfall.
Emphasizing the importance of tailored soil health management, he also advocated for soil testing and localized nutrient planning.
Meanwhile, Dr Deep Narayan Mishra, Plant Protection Specialist, focused on managing the rising pest and disease pressures in shifting cultivation due to climate change by promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, use of bio-pesticides, disease-resistant crop varieties, and strengthening early-warning systems for pest outbreaks.
He trained farmers in identifying pest symptoms, using natural predators, and safely handling plant protection chemicals.
The integrated approach by KVK Longding not only revives traditional Jhum agriculture but also enhances its sustainability, productivity and resilience, thereby improving the food security and livelihoods of tribal farmers across Longding district.