ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi organized a Stakeholder Meeting under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Awareness and Agri-Input Distribution Programme under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) at Ghargatanga, Ranchi. The programme was graced by Shri Arjun Munda, Former Chief Minister, Jharkhand and Former Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, as the Chief Guest in presence of Mukhiyas and Ward Members of 15 panchayats in Itki and Namkum blocks of Ranchi district and members of Women Self Help Groups.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arjun Munda emphasized that agricultural development programmes should be implemented with proper land-use planning, effective monitoring and greater participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices such as soil testing, crop diversification and integrated farming systems while making greater use of the expertise available through ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He urged the farmers to understand the importance of balanced use of fertilizers and conserve the land fertility. He also stressed the importance of developing seed villages, promoting beekeeping and lac cultivation, improving soil health, empowering women farmers and creating greater awareness among rural youth for sustainable agricultural development.
Dr Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB emphasized the institute's commitment to strengthening agriculture through research, technology dissemination and continuous engagement with farming communities in Tribal areas.
Dr Vijai Pal Bhadana, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IIAB, while presenting the progress of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA), Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) programmes, highlighted that during the past one-month, awareness and extension activities have been conducted in more than 50 villages, benefiting more than 2,500 farmers covering over five blocks in four districts.
The institute has organized regular Kisan Gosthis, field demonstrations and training programmes on balanced use of fertilizer, soil health management, climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Under the programme, around 500 vegetable seed kits, 2,000 kgs of drought-tolerant paddy seeds, 1500 kgs of quality maize seeds and nearly 4,000 kg of Dhaincha seeds for green manuring in an area of more than 500 acres were distributed to farmers to promote improved crop production and soil fertility.
The past and current elected representatives of Itki, Namkum and Lalkhatanga Panchayats, including Shri. Ritesh Oraon, Smt. Fransisca Kerketta, Smt. Jiren Toppo and Smt. Pushpa Tirkey highlighted the efforts of the institute in promoting scientific farming and assured continued cooperation with the institute in promoting scientific agricultural technologies and strengthening farmer-scientist linkages at the village level.
Agricultural inputs including improved varieties of Paddy: CR Dhan-320, Sahbhagi Dhan, and improved variety of Ragi/Finger Millet: Birsa Madua-3 were distributed to all the Tribal Farmers who participated in the event. Awareness sessions were conducted highlighting the importance of maintaining soil fertility, integrated farming system. Farmers were informed about the biofertilisers and crop rotation and were urged to introduce one pulse crop in the cropping system in each year. The possible effect of El-nino and climate change on current farming conditions and promoted the usage of Vermicompost, farm manure and green manure to reduce the input cost and gain better profits were also explained on the occasion.
Dr Kishore Krishnani, Joint Director (Academics) proposed a formal vote of thanks.
About 500 members of the neighbouring panchayats and blocks participated in the programme including all the staff and Scientists of ICAR-IIAB.
(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi)
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