Patna: The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, organised a farmers’ interaction and awareness programme under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ in Sharistabad village of Naubatpur block on October 28.
A total of 112 farmers, including 54 women and 58 men, participated in the programme, which focused on crop diversification, crop rotation, integrated farming systems, scientific fish farming and the efficient management of agricultural resources.
Experts stress scientific farming practices
Dr Ashutosh Upadhyaya, head of the Division of Land and Water Management, emphasised the importance of timely agricultural operations, appropriate fertiliser application, quality agricultural inputs and scientific technologies.
He advised farmers to apply fertilisers judiciously based on soil testing and adopt effective soil and water conservation practices. He also highlighted the role of market information, financial resources, timely technical advice and infrastructure in reducing cultivation costs, increasing productivity and making farming more profitable and sustainable.
Dr Manibhushan, principal scientist, encouraged farmers to adopt crop rotation and diversify their crops. He explained that integrating different agricultural activities could improve farm productivity and provide farmers with multiple sources of income.
Fish farming and crop diversification discussed
Dr Surendra Kumar Ahirwal, scientist, shared information on scientific fish farming and highlighted the benefits of planting fruit-bearing trees along pond embankments.
According to him, the practice can help farmers utilise available land more effectively, create additional income opportunities and integrate fisheries with agriculture.
P K Singh, assistant chief technical officer, advised farmers to include pulses and oilseed crops in their crop rotation practices. He said cultivating these crops could promote agricultural diversification, help maintain soil health and support more sustainable farming systems.
Focus on soil and water conservation
Umesh Kumar Mishra, member secretary, Media, ICAR-RCER, Patna, said the programme aimed to raise awareness of scientific agricultural practices, promote the conservation of soil and water resources, and improve farm profitability by integrating crop production with fish farming.
The initiative sought to familiarise farmers with practices that could help them manage agricultural resources more efficiently while diversifying production and income sources.
