ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari reaches 6,854 farmers across four districts of Bihar through science-led soil health and climate-resilient agriculture under Khet Bachao Abhiyan–2026

1–30 June 2026, Motihari, Bihar

During 1–30 June 2026, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari successfully implemented an intensive month-long outreach campaign under the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–2026 to promote soil health restoration, balanced fertilizer use, integrated nutrient management, crop diversification, and climate-resilient Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) across Bihar. The campaign was carried out under the overall guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI. The activities were implemented through four multidisciplinary scientific teams in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Piprakothi, KVK Madhopur, KVK Parsauni, KVK Sheohar, and other extension partners, demonstrating a strong convergence between research, extension, and state agencies.

The campaign covered four districts East Champaran, West Champaran, Sheohar, and Patna, reaching 19 development blocks and 47 villages through farmer trainings, Kisan Gosthis, Kisan Chaupals, Mukhiya Sammelans, exposure visits, field demonstrations, FPO–scientist interactions, input-dealer interaction scientific advisories, orchard management programmes, and Integrated Farming System (IFS) demonstrations. A total of 6,854 farmers participated in these programmes, including 5,132 male farmers (74.88%) and 1,722 female farmers (25.12%), reflecting the institute's strong commitment to inclusive and participatory agricultural extension.

Throughout the campaign, scientists promoted a comprehensive package of soil-health-centered technologies, including soil-test-based nutrient management, balanced fertilizer use, green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania), summer mungbean cultivation, crop diversification, biofertilizers, vermicomposting, crop residue recycling, conservation agriculture, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), laser land levelling, rice nursery management, integrated pest management, and climate-resilient crop planning. Special emphasis was given to IFS integrating crops, fisheries, livestock, horticulture, and resource recycling for the flood-prone and waterlogged ecosystems of North Bihar. Farmers were also trained in scientific nutrient management of major fruit crops including mango, litchi, and papaya, along with sustainable orchard management practices.

One of the key highlights of the campaign was the promotion of green manuring with Dhaincha, where farmers were informed that a well-grown Dhaincha crop can biologically fix 50–60 kg nitrogen per hectare, equivalent to approximately 110–130 kg urea (2.5–3 bags of urea), thereby substantially reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements while improving soil organic carbon, microbial activity, N-use efficiency, and long-term soil fertility. Scientists also created awareness on preventing crop residue burning, conserving fertile topsoil, adopting balanced fertilization based on soil testing, and integrating organic manures and biofertilizers with chemical fertilizers to build resilient and productive farming systems.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, stated, "Khet Bachao Abhiyan has emerged as a people's movement for protecting soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through the collective efforts of ICAR, the Department of Agriculture, ATMA, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and farming communities, we are successfully translating scientific innovations into field-level adoption. Healthy soils are the foundation of productive agriculture, nutritional security, environmental sustainability, and prosperous farming communities."

Highlighting the achievements, the Nodal Officer of Khet Bachao Abhiyan remarked that the campaign demonstrates the strength of collaborative agricultural extension. Reaching 6,854 farmers across four districts in one month reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among scientists, KVKs, ATMA, Panchayats, Farmer Producer Organizations, and progressive farmers. The enthusiastic response from farming communities reinforces the commitment to expanding soil health-centered agriculture and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) across Bihar to improve productivity, profitability, and climate resilience.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)