ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram Organises Khet Bachao Abhiyan Promoting Sustainable Farming and Soil Health Conservation

5 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar

ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar organised the Khet Bachao Abhiyan awareness programme today at Chouldary Village of Ferrargunj Block with the objective of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and conserving soil health in the island ecosystem.

The programme was chaired by Dr P. K. Singh (Principal Scientist), Team Leader, and attended by Dr Sharath Yeligar, Scientist (Agriculture Economics), Mr Chittaranjan Raul,Scientist (Aquaculture) local progressive farmers, and Mr D. N. Madhu, Chairman of the Cooperative Society.

During his address, Dr P. K. Singh highlighted the declining productivity of agricultural lands due to the excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the years. He emphasized the adverse effects of continuous inorganic fertilizer application on soil health, microbial activity, and long-term crop productivity.

Dr Singh discussed sustainable alternatives such as the cultivation and incorporation of Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) as a green manure crop, judicious and balanced application of NPK fertilizers, and the adoption of organic and natural farming practices suitable for island conditions. He encouraged farmers to gradually shift towards eco-friendly farming systems based on crop suitability and local resource availability.

Mr Chittaranjan Raul delivered a technical session on the utilization of Azolla in rice cultivation. He explained the role of Azolla as a biofertilizer and its contribution to nitrogen fixation, soil fertility enhancement, and reduction in chemical fertilizer requirements. He also demonstrated the potential of converting locally available aquatic weeds into valuable compost, thereby promoting waste recycling and sustainable nutrient management.

Dr Sharath Yeligar interacted extensively with the participating farmers and discussed the changing agricultural scenario in the islands. He sought farmers’ views on the increasing preference for arecanut cultivation over traditional rice farming. Farmers shared their experiences regarding labour shortages, higher profitability of arecanut, and challenges associated with paddy cultivation.
A total of 25 farmers from the village participated actively in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar)