ICAR–MGIFRI, Motihari Promotes Crop Diversification and Integrated Fish Farming under Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026

29 October 2026, Motihari, Bihar

Promoting diversified and climate-resilient farming practices, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar, organised a farmer exposure visit to Kash Fish Farm under Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA)–Rabi 2026. The programme focused on innovative fish farming, crop diversification, integrated farming systems and sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.

Under the guidance of Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR–MGIFRI, the initiative highlighted the potential of integrating fisheries with crops, horticulture and livestock to improve resource-use efficiency, diversify farm income and strengthen the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, particularly in flood-prone and waterlogged regions of Bihar.

During the visit, 28 farmers from Siwan district interacted with the fish farmer at Kash Fish Farm and learned about fish production, pond management, feed utilisation and water quality management. The interaction provided practical insights into farmer-led innovations, local resource utilisation and the opportunities and challenges associated with commercial and small-scale fish farming.

The programme also highlighted the potential of integrating fish farming with vegetable and fruit cultivation, including the use of pond embankments for horticulture. Farmers were sensitised to the benefits of recycling organic resources and improving the productivity of available land and water resources. Discussions emphasised selecting suitable farming enterprises based on farm size, seasonal water availability and local agroecological conditions.

As part of KBA–Rabi 2026, participants also gained awareness of soil health management, balanced fertiliser application, natural farming, crop residue recycling and efficient resource utilisation. The importance of scientific crop rotations, incorporating pulses and vegetables, and integrated nutrient management was discussed in the context of maintaining soil fertility and improving farm profitability.

The farmer-to-farmer interaction enabled participants to exchange experiences, discuss field-level challenges and explore diversified farming models suited to their villages. Fish-based integrated farming was highlighted as a potential livelihood option for low-lying and waterlogged areas where prolonged water stagnation can constrain conventional crop cultivation.
The exposure visits reinforced ICAR–MGIFRI’s efforts to promote crop diversification, integrated farming, resource conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods in eastern India through Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026.

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