24 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram
Khet Bachao Abhiyan awareness programme was organized today at Brindaban, Village, Ferrargunj Block with the objective of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and conserving soil health in the island ecosystem.
During the programme, the declining productivity of agricultural lands due to the excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the years was highlighted. The adverse effects of continuous inorganic fertilizer application on soil health, microbial activity, and long-term crop productivity were 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 were also emphasized. Farmers were encouraged to gradually shift towards eco-friendly farming systems based on crop suitability and local resource availability.
A technical session was conducted on the utilization of Azolla in rice cultivation. The role of Azolla as a biofertilizer and its contribution to nitrogen fixation, soil fertility enhancement, and reduction in chemical fertilizer requirements were explained.
The potential of converting locally available aquatic weeds into valuable compost was also demonstrated, promoting waste recycling and sustainable nutrient management. In addition, the preparation of fish-waste-based liquid fertilizer as an alternative organic liquid fertilizer was discussed.
Farmers were also sensitized on the preparation and application of Brahmastra and Jeevamrut as natural inputs for improving soil fertility and managing pests and diseases in vegetable crops. The use of Trichoderma and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as eco-friendly biological alternatives to chemical pesticides in horticultural crops was highlighted.
Additionally, the application of neem oil for the effective management of mealybug infestation in coconut plantations was demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of integrated and sustainable pest management practices.
A total of 18 farmers from the village participated actively in the programme.
(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
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