ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai Conducts ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ in Daund and Shrigonda tehsils of Pune District

12 June 2026, Mumbai

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare from June 1–30, 2026, the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, organized an extensive farmer outreach and awareness programme across 25 villages in Daund and Shrigonda tehsils of Pune district, Maharashtra, during June 8–12, 2026.

The campaign was successfully conducted in the villages of Lingali, Birobawadi, Rajegaon, Shirapur, Patas, Malad, Kusegaon, Swami Chincholi, Khadki, Ravangaon, Varvand, Pargaon, Kedgaon, Rahu, Valki, Vadgaon Rasai, Navre, Uralgaon, Takli Bhima, Talgaon Dhamdhare, Wangdari, Sagvi Sandas, Navi Sandas, Vadgaon Bande, and nearby villages.

Farmer awareness meetings were organized at easily accessible community locations such as Gram Panchayat offices, community centres, and farmers’ fields to maximize participation and outreach. The programme adopted an interactive approach through live demonstrations, group discussions, and direct farmer interactions conducted in local language. Approximately 750 farmers participated in the campaign, reflecting strong community interest in sustainable agricultural practices and soil health improvement.

The outreach programme focused on creating awareness about AI-enabled soil testing and soil health management, the judicious and balanced use of chemical fertilizers, scientific and natural farming practices, the preparation and application of Jeevamrut, the utilization of cow dung-based organic manure in ensuring long-term soil sustainability.

The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from the farming community and reinforced the importance of adopting sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Through knowledge dissemination and farmer engagement, the initiative contributed significantly to enhancing awareness of soil conservation, resource-efficient farming, and the long-term resilience and profitability of Indian agriculture.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai)