- Programme organised in coordination with ICAR & NIBSM and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bemetara; emphasis on crop diversification and sustainable agriculture
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management ( ICAR&NIBSM ), Raipur, in coordination with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bemetara, today launched the ” Khet Bachao Abhiyaan
” (Save the Farmland Campaign ) in village Bagoud, Bemetara district. The campaign aims to raise awareness among farmers about crop losses caused by pests, diseases, and other biotic stresses, encourage crop diversification, and disseminate scientific and sustainable agricultural practices at the farm level. Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Joint Director of ICAR&NIBSM and Nodal Officer of the campaign, Dr. S.K. Jain, Dr. K.C. Sharma, Dr. Ajay Verma, and Dr. Luv Kumar of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bemetara, were present
at the event. The scientists interacted with farmers, discussed their agricultural problems, and suggested practical crop protection measures. Addressing the farmers, Dr. Pankaj Sharma stated that the primary objective of the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan is to protect crops from biotic stresses, as well as to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and climate-friendly.
He advised farmers to adopt crop diversification, incorporate suitable alternative crops, adopt crop rotation, and implement integrated management of pests and diseases through timely identification. He stated that diversified cropping systems can help reduce agricultural risks, optimize resource utilization, and increase farmers’ income.
Dr. K.C. Sharma emphasized the importance of timely identification of pests and diseases in crops, integrated pest management ( IPM ), balanced nutrition, and judicious use of chemical pesticides and insecticides. He encouraged farmers to adopt environmentally friendly and scientific crop protection measures.
Dr. Luv Kumar, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bemetara, highlighted the importance of crop diversification, crop management, soil health conservation, and scientific agricultural advice tailored to local agricultural conditions. He encouraged farmers to utilize available agricultural technologies to increase production and profitability.