HAYULIANG, Jun 2: An awareness programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan was successfully organized at the Old Community Hall here along with a farmers’ orientation training programme on FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) management.
The programme on Khet Bachao Abhiyan aimed to create awareness among farmers on the balanced use of fertilizers, natural farming, and soil health conservation, reduction in edible oil consumption, climate change, and sustainable agricultural practices.
A total of 35 participants, including farmers, farm women, and local youth, actively participated in the discussions.
The programme was graced by Mantaw Bellai, ZPM Hayuliang-Goiliang, other dignitaries present included Bijesh Maharana (DMI, Govt of India), TT Hai, District Horticulture Officer, Anjaw, Menne Ete, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Hayuliang and Ronaldo, representative of the Spice Board, Namsai, Asem Chaitom, BMM ArSRLM, Hayuliang block.
During the technical session, Naveen, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Agronomy, delivered an informative lecture on soil health conservation and the balanced use of fertilizers in Khet Bachao Abhiyan. He stressed the importance of maintaining soil fertility through judicious nutrient management and encouraged farmers to adopt soil testing-based fertilizer application for improving crop productivity while protecting the environment.
Satveer Yadav, SMS (Horticulture), spoke extensively on the principles and benefits of natural farming in Khet Bachao Abhiyan He encouraged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and utilize locally available organic resources to improve soil health and crop quality while minimizing production costs.
The programme also focused on creating awareness regarding climate change and its impact on agriculture. Farmers were sensitized on climate-resilient farming practices and the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural technologies to cope with changing weather patterns.
As part of the Farmers’ Orientation Training Programme on FPO Management, Bijesh Maharana, Ronaldo, Hai, and Ete highlighted the role of FPOs in strengthening collective marketing, improving farmers’ bargaining power, and enhancing income opportunities through value addition and market linkages.
Addressing the gathering, the ZPM stressed the importance of cooperation and unity among FPO members for successful functioning of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). He urged farmers to actively engage with various line departments and avail themselves of the technical guidance, schemes, and support services being provided for the overall development of FPCs and the agricultural sector as a whole.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their experiences and discussed challenges faced in farming and FPO management.