ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Drives KhetBachaoAbhiyan Campaign, Urges Farmers to Adopt Natural Farming and Protect Soil Health

4 June 2026, Barrackpore

Reinforcing the themes of Soil Health Management, Natural Farming, Integrated Farming, and Balanced Fertilizer Use, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hooghly jointly organized a farmer awareness programme at Chinsurah under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) initiative and as part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan today. The month-long campaign focuses on soil health, balanced fertilizer use, eco-friendly farming, and the vital agriculture–aquatic ecosystem linkage for sustainable livelihoods.

The programme was graced by Shri Subir Nag, Member of Legislative Assembly, Chinsurah Constituency, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the urgent need to conserve soil health and restore ecological balance through natural and sustainable farming practices. He highlighted that excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has adversely affected soil fertility, water quality, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture. He further stressed that natural farming can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil organic matter, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable food production.

Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-CIFRI remarked “KhetBachaoAbhiyan is a national movement that emphasizes the close link between soil health, food security, farmers’ prosperity, and environmental sustainability. Promoting balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, natural farming, and scientific nutrient management is essential for restoring soil vitality and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. Protecting soil today is key to securing the future of agriculture and rural livelihoods.”

A major highlight of the programme was the promotion of green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata/Sesbania bispinosa), a fast-growing leguminous crop known for improving soil organic matter, enriching nitrogen content, enhancing soil structure, increasing moisture retention, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Scientists also advocated Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), combining organic manures, compost, biofertilizers, green manure crops, and balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing to improve farm sustainability and resource-use efficiency.

The farmers were briefed on the natural farming techniques, including farm-derived bio-inputs, crop residue management, organic nutrient recycling, and soil health improvement practices. The programme concluded with an interactive farmer–scientist dialogue, where participants shared field experiences and expressed strong commitment to adopting climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable farming practices that enhance productivity while conserving soil and natural resources.

More than 100 farmers, including 45 students of the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) programme, participated enthusiastically.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)