Sri Vijaya Puram, June 25: Khet Bachao Abhiyan awareness programme was organized on 24 June 2026 at Brindaban, Village, Ferrargunj Block with the objective of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and conserving soil health in the island ecosystem.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Pooja Bohra (Senior Scientist), Team Leader, and Mr. Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist (Aquaculture), Mr Mohit , SMS (Plant protection), Village pradhan, Agriculture officer Mrs Gyatri, ATMA representative Mrs.Arti A total of 18 farmers from the village participated actively in the programme, from which 13 was female and 5 male.
During his address, Dr. Pooja Bohra highlighted the declining productivity of agricultural lands due to the excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the years. He emphasized the adverse effects of continuous inorganic fertilizer application on soil health, microbial activity, and long-term crop productivity. She also discussed sustainable alternatives such as the cultivation and incorporation of Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) as a green manure crop, judicious and balanced application of NPK fertilizers, and the adoption of organic and natural farming practices suitable for island conditions. He encouraged farmers to gradually shift towards eco-friendly farming systems based on crop suitability and local resource availability.
Mr. Chittaranjan Raul delivered a technical session on the utilization of Azolla in rice cultivation. He explained the role of Azolla as a biofertilizer and its contribution to nitrogen fixation, soil fertility enhancement, and reduction in chemical fertilizer requirements. He also demonstrated the potential of converting locally available aquatic weeds into valuable compost, thereby promoting waste recycling and sustainable nutrient management. Fish waste based liquid fertiliser preparation as a alternative of organic liquid fertiliser.
Mr. Mohit interacted with the farmers on the preparation and application of Brahmastra and Jeevamrut as natural inputs for improving soil fertility and managing pests and diseases in vegetable crops. He also highlighted the use of Trichoderma and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as eco-friendly biological alternatives to chemical pesticides in horticultural crops. Additionally, he demonstrated the application of neem oil for the effective management of mealybug infestation in coconut plantations, emphasizing the importance of integrated and sustainable pest management practices.
