ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar organized an awareness-cum-training programme under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” on 22nd June 2026 at Village: Haldiapada, Block: Kanas, District: Puri, Odisha. Thirty-eight farmers participated in the programme. Dr. B. S. Satapathy, and Dr. Ranabir Chakraborty attended the programme as resource persons. Sri Radha Syam Biswal, progressive farmer also attended the meeting. The programme highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture in conserving natural resources, protecting the environment, and ensuring long-term farm profitability. Addressing the gathering, Dr. B. S. Satapathy highlighted the importance of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the judicious integration of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, green manures, and biofertilizers for enhancing soil fertility, nutrient-use efficiency, and crop productivity. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices using Jeevamrit, Ghanajeevamrit, and other locally available bio-inputs prepared from cow dung, cow urine, neem, karanj, bale and tulasi leaves for environmentally safe pest management. He further emphasized the need to reduce dependence on external inputs and promote resource-based farming systems for maintaining healthy soils, ecological balance, and sustainable agricultural production. Dr. Ranabir Chakraborty stressed the critical role of water conservation and climate-resilient agricultural practices in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The importance of soil-test-based nutrient management and the effective utilization of Soil Health Cards for scientific and balanced fertilizer application was also discussed. In line with the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, he also advocated for healthier lifestyles through a reduction in edible oil consumption, thereby contributing to improved public health and reduced dependence on imported edible oils. The programme concluded with an appeal to adopt environmentally responsible agricultural practices for conserving soil, water, and biodiversity while ensuring sustainable and profitable farming under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
