A statewide campaign to improve soil management and farming practices among Meghalaya’s farmers has begun, with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists taking the message directly to villages across the state.
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan Rabi Campaign got under way on October 22 and will run until November 30, 2026. It focuses on soil health, better agricultural methods and the use of suitable farm tools to make farming easier, safer and more productive.
The first outreach took place in Umsarang village in the Bhoirymbong Block of Ri-Bhoi district, where a team of ICAR scientists briefed 20 farmers — 10 women and 10 men — on the campaign’s objectives and the value of improved practices.
Farmers were urged to manage soil health through proper nutrient management, with the team stressing soil testing as a way to understand the nutrient status of farmland and determine what is needed to improve fertility. Participants also learned how liming corrects soil acidity, a condition that can hamper crop growth and limit the availability of nutrients.
The scientists also spoke on farm mechanisation, particularly for cultivation on sloping land. They noted that farming in hilly areas demands considerable physical effort and exposes farmers to occupational health risks, adding that suitable tools and machinery can cut manual labour, ease field operations and improve safety.
To encourage adoption of the practices discussed, participating farmers received 20 small farm tools, 5 kg of French bean seeds and 5 kg of coriander seeds.
The campaign then moved to Puriang village in the Mawrynkneng Block of East Khasi Hills district, where 30 farmers took part. Women made up 27 of the participants and men three, underlining the major role women play in farming and the importance of including them in agricultural outreach.
Officials said the sessions in both villages centred on practical knowledge farmers can use in everyday operations.
By emphasising soil testing, appropriate liming and suitable farm tools, the campaign hopes to help farmers make informed decisions based on the conditions of their fields.
Over the coming weeks, the campaign aims to carry agricultural awareness and hands-on guidance to farming communities across the state. Through direct interaction with farmers, it seeks to promote better soil health management, ease the physical challenges of farming in hilly terrain and encourage sustainable agriculture in Meghalaya.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/khet-bachao-abhiyan-rabi-campaign-rolls-out-in-meghalaya-targets-soil-health-and-farm-safety/68769/
Category: Meghalaya,ICAR,Khet Bachao Abhiyan Rabi Campaign,Ri-Bhoi district
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Publish Date: 2026-10-24 18:32:00
