Awareness and training camps focus on soil health, natural farming and sustainable agriculture
Solan: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kandaghat, is actively implementing the nationwide ‘Save the Farm’ campaign being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) from June 1 to 30. As part of the month-long initiative, teams of scientists are visiting villages and interacting directly with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and soil conservation.
KVK Kandaghat has been organising awareness and training programmes across the district, educating farmers and students on soil testing, balanced fertilizer use and the adoption of natural farming techniques.
Addressing farmers and fourth-year students of the College of Horticulture, Nauni University, KVK In-charge Dr Amit Vikram highlighted the importance of soil testing for scientific nutrient management. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming methods to maintain long-term soil fertility and improve agricultural sustainability.
During the programme, students showcased posters on water conservation, natural farming and balanced fertilizer application, creating awareness among participating farmers. Scientists Dr Aarti Shukla, Dr Meera Devi and Dr Anurag Sharma also conducted sessions on the key pillars of natural farming, including bio-input preparation, mulching, soil cover and ecological restoration.
The centre also observed World Environment Day on June 5, with around 50 farmers and students participating in plantation activities. Environment Officer Dhriti Acharya, along with officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Solan, and the Block Development Office, Kandaghat, joined the programme and planted saplings at the KVK farm.
Farmers were given practical demonstrations on scientific soil sampling techniques to help them obtain accurate soil health assessments. Progressive farmers Asha Thakur, Meena Thakur of Ghalai village and Pinki Devi of Kothi Deora village shared their experiences and success stories related to natural farming.
As part of the campaign, an awareness-cum-training camp was also organised in Daonsi village on June 9. During the session, Dr Meera Devi guided farmers on proper soil sampling methods and emphasized balanced fertilizer use through natural farming practices. Scientists also addressed farmers’ concerns regarding pest and disease management in Kharif crops and provided technical recommendations.
Padag Panchayat Pradhan Meera Kashyap also shared her experiences of adopting natural farming and encouraged farmers to embrace sustainable agricultural methods.
According to KVK officials, nearly 600 farmers and students have participated in the campaign so far, and awareness activities will continue across the region until June 30.
