ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram Promotes Sustainable Agriculture through Khet Bachao Abhiyan

19 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

A team of scientists from ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, Kanyapuram, organized a Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme at the Kanyapuram Panchayat Office, South Andaman, today. The programme aimed to create awareness on the importance of conserving soil and water resources, maintaining soil health, and promoting sustainable agricultural production. The campaign aligns with the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan initiative that emphasizes soil health conservation, balanced nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices.

During the programme, the speakers emphasized the critical role of soil and water conservation in preventing land degradation and sustaining agricultural productivity. Drawing on practical experiences and field-based interventions, they highlighted the importance of bio-engineering and land management measures such as contour bunding, terracing, contour farming, cover cropping, slope stabilization, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling for conserving soil and moisture, particularly in fragile ecosystems.

The importance of enhancing soil fertility through the application of organic manures, vermicompost, and biofertilizers was also highlighted. Farmers were encouraged to adopt integrated farming systems involving crops, fish, and poultry, and to cultivate pulses, legumes, Azolla, and Anabaena for improving soil fertility and nutrient recycling. The speakers further stressed the need to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers through the effective utilization of locally available organic resources and agricultural bio-wastes.

A technical presentation on crop protection advocated the use of indigenous and traditional pest management practices for controlling pests such as mealybugs and whiteflies. Participants were encouraged to adopt biofertilizers such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, along with biocontrol agents like Trichoderma, to promote sustainable crop production.
The discussions also focused on the challenges posed by weed infestation and pest outbreaks in field and vegetable crops during the monsoon season, along with appropriate management strategies to minimize crop losses.

Earlier, the participants were welcomed and briefed on the major crops cultivated in the area and the key challenges faced by local farmers. Information was also shared on various agricultural support services and development schemes being implemented for the benefit of farming communities.

Farmers were further informed about the availability and distribution of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and plant protection chemicals, through departmental outlets. Representatives from various agricultural and local governance institutions were also present during the programme.

During the interactive session, farmers raised concerns related to poultry farming, disease incidence in vegetable crops, and production constraints affecting crops such as chilli, brinjal, okra, papaya, black pepper, and arecanut. The team from ICAR-CIARI visited farmers’ fields and advised practical solutions at the field.

The participating farmers were advised to conserve soil and water resources, prevent land degradation, and adopt scientific soil and water conservation measures such as contour bunding, terracing, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling. They were also encouraged to utilize biofertilizers and vermicompost as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers for improving soil health and long-term farm productivity.

The participants were sensitized to the vital role of agriculture in ensuring food security, sustaining rural livelihoods, and preserving ecological balance. Farmers were urged to discourage the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses and to adopt sustainable farming practices for enhancing productivity while conserving natural resources.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion on sustainable agriculture, soil health management, and climate-resilient farming practices. Around 40 farmers, including 22 women farmers, participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)