ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, successfully organized one-day intensive farmer awareness and training programs in various villages of Almora district (Aina, Kuwali, Mahatgaon, Pagsa, and Gogyand Basi Seem) under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, saw active participation from a total of 127 farmers.
Under the guidance of Dr Lakshmi Kant, Director, ICAR-VPKAS, the scientists visited the fields to encourage farmers to adopt balanced, soil-test-based nutrient management instead of indiscriminate chemical fertilizer use, and to implement the principle of "farm water in the farm, farm soil in the farm" on the ground.
During the programs, teams of scientists engaged in direct communication through farmer interactive meets and on-farm discussions. In Aina village, they emphasized the balanced use of fertilizers and the scientific preparation of well-rotten farmyard manure. In Kuwali and Mahatgaon, they provided information on the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, green manure, and organic inputs, while also discussing the scientific management of the white grub pest, which increases due to the use of raw cow dung.
Additionally, the benefits of natural farming and bio-fertilizers were explained in Pagsa and Mahatgaon villages. In Gogyand Basi Seem of Syalde block, in the presence of local agricultural officers, farmers were apprised of balanced farming practices, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and the process of generating Farmer IDs.
Addressing major challenges faced by farmers, such as crop damage by wild animals (boars and monkeys) and irrigation crises, experts emphasized adopting scientific solutions such as the wire-fencing scheme, construction of geoline tanks, and sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. The campaign was successfully coordinated and conducted by the institute's scientists, whereas the farmers found the sessions highly useful and actively raised questions regarding farm management and government schemes.
(Source: ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora)
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