PUSHI, 19 Jul: Fifty farmers participated in a capacity-building programme on natural farming, organised by the West Siang KVK at Pushi Doke village in Leparada district on Friday.
Addressing the participants, KVK Head Dr Manoj Kumar highlighted the importance of “zero budget natural farming,” the ongoing national project on natural farming for the conservation of soil, water, ecosystem and beneficial soil microbes, and the harmful effects of heavy use of insecticide and pesticide on plant and soil health, as well as human health.
Plant protection scientist Dr Kangabam Suraj spoke about the significance of natural farming, and encouraged the farmers to adopt it. He also explained the principles of natural farming and demonstrated the preparation of bheejamrit, jeevamrit, and neemastra for effective management of diseases and pests in various crops.
Agriculture extension scientist Dr Praveen Kumardwelt on the national mission on natural farming, kisan credit cards, the socioeconomic empowerment of farmers through adoption of natural farming, and the role of the youths in “future agriculture.”
Copies of a pamphlet on natural farming, written in both English and Hindi languages, were later distributed among the farmers.