Joint efforts of ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari and KVK Madhopur promote soil health and integrated farming systems under Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Bihar

24 June 2026, Motihari, Bihar

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–2026, ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Madhopur, organized a farmer awareness-cum-training programme at Village Parsa, Majhaulia Block, West Champaran district, Bihar. The programme focused on promoting soil health restoration, green manuring, balanced fertilizer use, crop diversification, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for sustainable agricultural development.

The programme commenced with an introduction by KVK scientists, followed by a discussion on the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, emphasizing the importance of protecting soil health through balanced nutrient management and reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers.

During the technical session, farmers were sensitized to the balanced use of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers in major crops such as rice, maize, and wheat. Special emphasis was placed on soil-test-based fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices for long-term soil fertility improvement.

The importance of green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania) and the inclusion of green gram and Azolla as biological nitrogen sources in rice-based systems was highlighted. Farmers were informed that green manuring not only supplies nutrients to crops but also improves soil organic matter, microbial activity, nutrient-use efficiency, and overall soil health.

The benefits of integrating at least one pulse crop into the annual cropping cycle were discussed, highlighting its role in enhancing soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation while improving farm profitability and nutritional security. Farmers were encouraged to diversify cropping systems and reduce dependence on external nutrient inputs.

The role of vermicomposting as an eco-friendly and sustainable source of nutrients for field, vegetable, and horticultural crops was also highlighted. Farmers were encouraged to utilize locally available organic resources for preparing quality vermicompost and strengthening soil biological health.

Practical approaches for reducing chemical fertilizer dependence through crop diversification, green manuring, biofertilizers, crop residue recycling, and conservation agriculture practices were discussed. Farmers were advised to undertake regular soil testing and follow recommended fertilizer doses to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce unnecessary fertilizer expenditure.

Special emphasis was given to the importance of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for the waterlogged and flood-prone regions of North Bihar. Scientists explained that integrating crops, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, and other complementary enterprises can improve farm resilience, increase income opportunities, enhance resource-use efficiency, and strengthen climate adaptation.

Farmers were also made aware of the harmful effects of crop residue burning and the benefits of residue recycling for improving soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, soil moisture conservation, and microbial activity. During the interactive session, several farmers shared their experiences of cultivating summer green gram and acknowledged its role in reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements for succeeding rice crops. Participants also expressed considerable interest in adopting Dhaincha as a green manure crop; however, timely availability of quality seed was identified as an important constraint for large-scale adoption.

The programme received an encouraging response from the farming community, with participants expressing their willingness to adopt balanced fertilizer use, green manuring, soil testing, crop diversification, and integrated farming approaches. The event concluded with a strong message that healthy soils, diversified farming systems, balanced nutrient management, and integrated resource use are essential for building productive, profitable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems.

The programme was attended by scientists and staff of ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari and KVK Madhopur, who actively contributed to discussions and provided field-level recommendations for sustainable agriculture and soil health management.

A total of 37 farmers actively participated in the programme and interacted with scientists on issues related to soil fertility management, nutrient-use efficiency, crop productivity, and climate-resilient agriculture.

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