The month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative to protect soil health and secure the livelihoods of the farming communities, concluded in Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday. The campaign, which was guided by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, focused on taking care of the future farming community and the earth by reducing excessive chemical reliance and embracing sustainable and natural farming. The campaign was led by District Agriculture Officer Tasso Butung and his team, alongside specialists from Yachuli-based Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
The team worked closely with the farmers, offering practical, organic alternatives to harsh chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and providing hands-on demonstrations on vermicomposting, green manuring, and water conservation. Through these demonstrations, more than 600 local farmers learned the arts of vermicomposting, green manuring, and water conservation. The campaign also encouraged farmers to transition towards natural farming under the central government’s National Mission on Natural Farming, a practice that significantly lowers cultivation costs for everyday families.
The success of the campaign relied entirely on genuine community connection, reaching 17 villages across the district. Local PRI members and farmer-producer organisations, departmental officials, officials from the NABARD, the State Bank of India, and the lead district manager also joined the village outreach programme, helping community people connect with improved seeds, water-efficient farming methods, and vital government support like PM-Kisan and kisan credit cards. The campaign’s efforts were aimed at demystifying essential financial safety nets and promoting sustainable farming practices among the local farming community.
