Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 23: The Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, today organised an awareness programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan at village Pangiri, Zonal Bomal, Block and Sub-Division Akhnoor, to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance farmers' awareness about soil health and resource conservation. The campaign, being conducted from October 22 to November 30, 2026, will cover every village across the Jammu Division. Regional Level Subject Matter Specialist Ashwani Kumar, while addressing the farmers, highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard soil fertility and improve farm productivity. He stressed the need for balanced fertiliser application based on soil requirements, the promotion of natural farming and the effective utilisation of organic resources. He also urged farmers to adopt crop diversification, particularly pulses and oilseeds, conserve water through micro-irrigation, and follow scientific farming practices to reduce cultivation costs and enhance their income.
Assistant Entomologist Harvinder Singh, in his address, emphasised the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for effective and environmentally responsible crop protection. He sensitised farmers about the judicious use of pesticides, timely identification of pests and diseases, and the adoption of preventive and biological control measures to minimise crop losses and protect beneficial organisms. He also encouraged farmers to follow scientific crop protection practices for safe and sustainable agricultural production. The programme also focused on water conservation, micro-irrigation, post-harvest management, improved market linkages and sustainable mechanisation, with the objective of reducing input costs, preserving natural resources and improving farmers' income. The programme was attended by SMS RL Ashwani Kumar, Assistant Entomologist Harvinder Singh, SDAO Akhnoor Vijay Pal Chaudhary, SMS-SDL Jatinder Singh and Ashmeeta Sharma, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jammu, field officers of the Agriculture Department, and around 80 farmers, including members of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan aims to strengthen grassroots-level awareness and encourage farmers across Jammu Division to adopt resource-efficient, climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices for long-term soil conservation and improved farm livelihoods. |
