Port Blair, Jan 09: Awareness programme on Natural Farming was organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute at Lalpahar Community Hall on 06.01.2023. Mrs. Chaitali Roy, Panchayat Samiti, Chouldhari graced the occasion as chief guest. She advised the farming community to produce quality farm products without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thus, naturally produced farm products are very good for the health of people as well as the soil and environment. Mrs. Purnima Sarkar and Mrs. Surobala Mistry, PRI members of lalpahar also presented on this occasion and motivated the farming community. Dr. Y Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head discussed natural farming practices and encouraged farmers to adopt these practices on a cluster basis and maintain soil health for production and consumption of quality produce in isles. He appealed to farmers to use local seeds and planting materials, integration of crops, trees and livestock, intercropping and crop rotations. Dr N. Bommayasamy, SMS (Agro./Agrl.Extn.) explained that natural farming drastically reduced the cost of production by replacing the chemical fertilizers and pesticides and encouraged on farm production of Ghanajeevamrut, Beejamrut, Jeevamurt, agniastra, bhramastra, neemastraetc, and adoption of intercropping with leguminous vegetables. He stressed to adopt mulching with crop residues which reduces soil temperature and also improves soil moisture and in turn helps in soil microbial diversity, water absorption and nutrient availability to crops. Dr. B.K. Nanda, SMS (Agrl.Engg.) enlighten the employment opportunities in natural farming and water management practices. As part of the programme, demonstrations on ghanjeevamrut, jeevamrut were prepared by the participants. A total of 82 participants participated and benefited in this programme.
