11 June 2026, Motihari, Bihar
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding soil health, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, in collaboration with ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Pusa, Samastipur, organized a One-Day Workshop on “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) Scheme at ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari.
The workshop was organized as part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026”, which focuses on protecting soil health, reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, promoting balanced nutrient management, and empowering farmers through scientific and sustainable farming practices.
The programme was graced by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Member of Parliament and Former Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Shri Nand Kishor Ram, Minister of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources, Government of Bihar; Shri Krishna Nandan Paswan, MLA; and farmer leader Manoj Paswan.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Radha Mohan Singh emphasized the critical importance of soil conservation and sustainable nutrient management for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. He highlighted the need for regular soil testing, effective utilization of Soil Health Cards, and judicious fertilizer use, particularly reducing indiscriminate application of urea. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR institutions in implementing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a flagship campaign being closely monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to restore soil health and improve farm profitability.
In his welcome address, Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, outlined the vision of the campaign as envisaged by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development. He informed that scientists of ICAR-MGIFRI have been conducting intensive village-level outreach programmes across Bihar from 1–30 June 2026 to promote balanced fertilizer use, integrated nutrient management, soil health restoration, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Around 550 farmers from five blocks (Kotwa, Turkaulia, Motihari, Piprakothi, and Chakia) of East Champaran district participated enthusiastically in the programme. During the technical sessions, experts sensitized farmers on the importance of balanced and judicious fertilizer use, inclusion of legumes in cropping systems, green manuring, vermicomposting, crop residue management, and integrated nutrient management for improving soil health and sustaining crop productivity.
To strengthen knowledge dissemination, scientists conducted practical demonstrations on green manuring, vermicompost production, and preparation of natural farming inputs, enabling farmers to gain hands-on experience with eco-friendly farming technologies.
As part of the farmer support initiative under SCSP, the organizers distributed 25 quintals of quality rice seed of varieties PNR-381, Pusa-44, and Pusa-1824, along with 325 mango saplings (Amrapali, Pusa Arunima, and Mallika) and 200 litchi saplings (Shahi and China Litchi) suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of the region.
The workshop served as an effective platform for dissemination of scientific agricultural technologies, capacity building of farmers, promotion of sustainable farming practices, and distribution of quality agricultural inputs among Scheduled Caste farming communities.
The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI.
(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)
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