Khet Bachao Abhiyan Echoes in Border Villages of Chamoli, Scientists Distribute Advanced Seeds and Impart Farming Techniques

9 June 2026, Almora

Under the nationwide program "Khet Bachao Abhiyan," being run under the guidance of Dr Lakshmi Kant, Director, ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, farmer interactive meetings were organized in the Vibrant Villages of Jelam, Kailashpur, Gamshali, and Niti under the Joshimath block of Chamoli district. The objective of these meetings was to make farmers aware of balanced fertilizer use, soil health management, agricultural land conservation, efficient use of natural resources, and government agricultural development schemes.

In the meetings organized in all four villages, farmers were informed about the importance of soil testing, balanced and judicious use of fertilizers, and adopting integrated nutrient management. Detailed discussions were also held on water and soil conservation, climate-resilient farming practices, incorporating pulse and oilseed crops into crop rotation, and the necessity of sustainable agricultural production.

Special emphasis was laid on the importance of organic and natural farming during the sessions. Farmers were educated on the use of farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, biofertilizers, and other eco-friendly inputs. Additionally, awareness regarding a balanced diet and health was also generated.

During the interactive session, farmers raised issues such as the white grub menace in kidney beans (Rajma), woolly aphid infestation in apples, crop damage by wild animals, the need for fencing, and the timely availability of quality seeds and planting material for vegetable peas, leafy vegetables, and temperate fruit crops. Technical advice on these problems was provided by the scientists. Given the availability of sea-buckthorn in the Jelam area, the need for its processing and value addition was also discussed.

During these meetings, seeds of coriander, fenugreek, carrot, and radish were distributed among the farmers to promote nutrition gardens, diversified farming, and local vegetable production. Farmers from all villages were urged to move forward toward long-term soil health conservation and income enhancement by adopting balanced nutrient management, organic and natural farming, pulse-based cropping systems, and sustainable agricultural practices.

(Source: ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora)