As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, organized a one-day awareness-cum-input distribution programme at Madan Nonglakhiat village under Bhoirymbong Block of Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya.
        The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers on sustainable soil and water management practices, balanced nutrient application, reduction in excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and adoption of eco-friendly farming approaches for improving soil health and farm productivity. Farmers were also sensitized on the importance of soil test-based nutrient management, integrated nutrient management, natural farming practices, and efficient utilization of natural resources.
        A total of 31 farmers, including 24 women and 7 men, participated enthusiastically in the programme. During the event, quality agricultural inputs such as vegetable seeds of cucumber, radish, coriander and other crops were distributed to the participants. Farm tools including slashers, U-blade weeders and garden rakes were also provided to support improved crop management practices. In addition, leaflets on soil and water management technologies developed by ICAR-NEH were distributed to facilitate wider adoption of scientific farming practices in the region.
        Addressing the farmers, the scientists highlighted the importance of maintaining soil fertility, reducing dependency on indiscriminate fertilizer use, and adopting climate-resilient and resource-conserving agricultural technologies for sustainable livelihood security in the North Eastern Hill Region.
        The programme was coordinated by Dr. V. K. Verma, Senior Scientist (Vegetable Science), Dr. Debasish Chakraborty, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Meteorology), and Dr. Hijam Jiten Singh, Scientist (Farm Machinery and Power Engineering) of ICAR-NEH, Umiam. The initiative reflects ICAR's continued commitment towards empowering farmers with science-based agricultural technologies, promoting sustainable land management, and ensuring long-term soil health and agricultural productivity in Meghalaya and the North Eastern Region.