The ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, organised a demonstration-cum-awareness programme under Khet Bachao Abhiyaan (Rabi 2026) on 4 November 2026 at Sohriewblei, Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya. The programme was attended by 27 farmers including 07 men and 20 women.
        The programme focused on balanced, soil-test-based nutrient management; soil health; horticulture-based crop diversification; locally appropriate crop calendars; and sustainable farming practices. Farmers were encouraged to use their Soil Health Cards to guide crop-specific fertilizer application, including the appropriate nutrient source, rate, timing, and placement. The discussions also covered integrated nutrient management, combining recommended mineral fertilizers with suitable organic inputs—such as well-decomposed manure, compost, or green manure—and biofertilizers where appropriate. These inputs were presented as components of a planned nutrient-management strategy, rather than as blanket substitutes for crop nutrient requirements.
        The horticultural component highlighted the potential of suitable crop diversification and cropping systems to improve farm productivity and income. Sessions also addressed the selection of crops according to local soil and climate conditions, adoption of a locally appropriate Rabi crop calendar, timely sowing, inclusion of vegetables and short-duration pulses, and suitable crop rotations. Efficient irrigation scheduling and soil-moisture conservation were discussed in relation to crop requirements and water availability.
        Post-harvest management, processing, and value addition were also discussed as ways to maintain produce quality, reduce losses, and improve market opportunities. An interactive farmer–scientist discussion addressed field-level concerns related to nutrient management, crop selection, irrigation, and sustainable production practices.
        The programme was coordinated by Team 2- Dr. Veerendra Kumar Verma (Leader), and Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, Dr. Niranjan Kumar, Mr. Koushik Bag, Dr. Arindam Nag, Dr. Letngam Thouthang, and Dr. M. Prabha Devi as members.