ICAR–MGIFRI, Motihari Organises Soil Health Awareness and Integrated Farming System Training for Tribal Farmers under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada–2026

6 November 2026, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (MGIFRI), Motihari, Bihar, organised a farmer awareness and capacity-building programme on soil health management, integrated farming systems (IFS) and scientific wheat cultivation at Padarkhap, a tribal village in Bagaha-II Block of West Champaran district, on 6 November 2026. The programme was conducted under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada–2026, being observed from 1 to 15 November to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

A total of 69 farmers participated in the programme, which aimed to enhance agricultural knowledge, promote sustainable farming practices and strengthen livelihood opportunities among tribal farming communities through scientific interventions and capacity building.

During the programme, farmers were sensitised to the importance of soil health management, with discussions focusing on soil testing, balanced fertiliser application, integrated nutrient management, organic matter recycling and efficient utilisation of locally available resources. Emphasis was placed on adopting soil-test-based nutrient management practices to improve fertiliser-use efficiency, maintain soil fertility and reduce input costs.

The training session on integrated farming systems highlighted the potential of integrating crop production with livestock, horticulture and other suitable farm enterprises to enhance farm income, nutritional security and resource-use efficiency. Farmers were also encouraged to adopt nutrient recycling, utilise farm residues effectively and diversify agricultural activities to strengthen the resilience of small and marginal farm households.

In view of the forthcoming Rabi season, technical guidance was provided on scientific wheat cultivation, covering timely sowing, selection of suitable improved varieties, seed treatment, optimum seed rate, appropriate sowing depth, balanced nutrient application and irrigation management. Special emphasis was laid on timely wheat sowing following rice harvesting and the adoption of resource-conserving practices to improve crop productivity and reduce cultivation costs.

As part of the programme, agricultural tools were distributed among participating farmers under the TSP project to facilitate improved farm operations and encourage the adoption of scientific agricultural practices.

The programme also highlighted the importance of strengthening linkages between agricultural research and the field-level needs of tribal farming communities. Farmers were encouraged to adopt location-specific scientific recommendations and make effective use of the technical support and resources available under the TSP programme.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion during which farmers shared their field-level challenges and received technical guidance on soil fertility management, wheat cultivation and integrated farming practices. The initiative reaffirmed ICAR–MGIFRI's commitment to inclusive agricultural development, sustainable resource management and the socio-economic empowerment of tribal farming communities.

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