ITANAGAR, Dec 5: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) across the state observed the annual World Soil Day on December 5.
The day is observed to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil, and to advocate sustainable management of soil resources.
At the KVK in Jairampur, 186 farmers from different villages of Changlang district were briefed on various soil-related issues, and the importance of soil testing.
Jairampur ZPM T Longri advised the farmers to adopt organic farming instead of using chemicals, while Anchal Samiti Chairperson, Nobinkam Tikhak briefed the farmers on soil qualities that can either enhance or deplete crop productivity.
Agriculture specialists apprised the farmers of soil-related issues and the importance of soil testing.
Earlier, 200 soil samples were collected from different villages of the district, and soil health cards were distributed among the farmers.
In Anjaw, the KVK distributed 152 soil health cards among the farmers of Tafraliang during a programme held there to mark the day.
Among others, veterinary specialist Dr Tilling Tayo, ADO S Bhattacharya, Tafraliang SVO Dr Ph G Singh, Tafraliang GPM Gringreso Ama, and 44 farmers from Tafraliang and Chuga Hoiliang attended the programme.
In East Siang HQ Pasighat, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the College of Horticulture & Forestry (CHF), and the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Pasighat jointly organized a farmers-scientists interaction programme on soil health management.
In his inaugural address, CAU Imphal’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor M Premjit Singh emphasized the need of soil testing and soil health management, and the importance of integrated nutrient management for increasing the production of crops.
The same university’s Director of Extension Education, Ratan Kumar Saha spoke about the extension activities taken up by the university for the benefit of the farmers of the North East Region.
He also briefed the farmers about the initiatives taken up by the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare to promote soil testing and issue soil health cards.
Twenty-five extension functionaries representing their respective districts and 87 progressive farmers from Mebo, Pasighat and Ruksin blocks attended the programme.
