BOLENG, Jun 11: In a landmark move towards sustainable agriculture, farmers of Sine village under Boleng block in Siang district have unanimously resolved to stop the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, declaring their village a chemical-free farming zone.
The decision was taken during an awareness programme held on June 10 under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and led by Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Boleng, Boum Padung.
More than 70 farmers participated in the campaign and collectively pledged to protect soil health, conserve water resources and ensure the safety of consumers through natural farming practices.
As part of the resolution, villagers agreed to completely discontinue the purchase and application of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and weedicides in their agricultural fields.
Farmers will instead adopt natural alternatives such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, neem-based bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, mulching and crop rotation for soil enrichment, pest control and weed management.
To support the transition, a five-member Prakritik Kheti Samiti (Sustainable Agriculture Committee) has been constituted to assist farmers, disseminate knowledge and monitor compliance with the village resolution.
Addressing the gathering, ADO Padung lauded the initiative and described it as a model for other villages in the region.
“This is a model for other villages. The Agriculture Department will provide training and bio-input kits under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and State Plan schemes,” he said.
The village authority, led by Gram Panchayat Chairperson Yaman Tatin along with Gaon Burahs, also passed a resolution requesting the district administration to officially declare Sine as a “Chemical-Free Model Village.”
The initiative is expected to promote environmentally sustainable farming, improve soil fertility and encourage the production of safer and healthier agricultural products, officials said.