PANAJI
With a focus on improving soil health and increasing farm income, the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) has launched the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ as its scientists urged farmers to diversify Rabi cultivation with pulses and seasonal vegetables. The institute also appealed to adopt sustainable farming practices.
The campaign, launched in Karmali village on Thursday, aligned with the nationwide initiative to promote natural farming, balanced nutrient management, climate-resilient agricultural practices and soil restoration ahead of the Rabi season.
Addressing farmers, including 38 women and 17 men, who attended the program, Director of ICAR-CCARI, Dr Parveen Kumar, encouraged them to take up vegetable and pulse cultivation to improve farm income while ensuring ecological sustainability. He stressed the importance of maintaining soil health and diversifying crops.
Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics), Dr Shripad Bhat, highlighted the role of leguminous crops in improving soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation. He also pointed to favourable market conditions and better price realisation for cowpea farmers.
Dr Paramesha V, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), explained how Integrated Farming Systems, which combine different agricultural activities, can improve farm profitability, provide year-round nutritional security and promote the recycling of farm resources. He also stressed the importance of integrated nutrient management in maintaining soil fertility.
Rahul Kulkarni, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Agronomy), briefed farmers on natural farming, low-cost bio-inputs and techniques to rejuvenate soil. Technical Officer Omar de Souza highlighted the economic benefits of incorporating high-value horticultural crops and seasonal vegetables into existing cropping patterns.
As part of the initiative, farmers were provided with drums to prepare Jeevamrut, a natural farming input used to support soil health and microbial activity. Seasonal vegetable seeds, neem oil, Trichoderma and sickles were also distributed to encourage vegetable cultivation, sustainable crop protection and Rabi farming.
