The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bemetara, and the relevant agriculture department, organized a farmer awareness program in the Gram Panchayat Janta, Development Block Bemetara, under the “Save the Farm Campaign-2026.” The village head, Mrs. Pooja Mishra, and other public representatives were also present on the occasion.
In the program, the institute’s scientists Dr. S.K. Jain and Dr. Mallikarjuna Jeer interacted with the farmers and provided information on various aspects of soil health conservation, balanced and judicious fertilizer use, organic and natural farming and crop residue management.
Scientists explained that the main objectives of the Save the Farm Campaign are to improve soil health, promote balanced and need-based fertilizer use, encourage sustainable nutrient management, and conserve water and other natural resources. Emphasis was also placed on making agricultural production more sustainable and environmentally friendly by adopting natural farming and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Farmers were advised to use fertilizers based on soil testing and to make proper use of organic manure, compost, and other available biological resources to reduce unnecessary dependence on chemical fertilizers. The importance of increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil and maintaining soil fertility by properly managing crop residues instead of burning them was also highlighted.
During the program, farmers discussed agricultural issues with scientists and learned about adopting sustainable farming techniques. Through this farmer-scientist dialogue, farmers were made aware of resource-conservation-based agricultural practices. A total of 35 farmers participated in the program.