ICAR Scientists Take Scientific Farming Campaign to Almora Villages, Train 127 Farmers

ALMORA: Scientists from the ICAR–Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora, recently conducted a series of one-day farmer awareness and training programmes across several villages in the district as part of the Union Government’s ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’. According to a press release issued by the organisation, the initiative reached 127 farmers from the villages of Aina, Kuwali, Mahatgaon, Pagsa and Gogyand Basi Seem, focusing on sustainable agriculture and scientific farm management.

Held under the guidance of Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director of ICAR-VPKAS, the outreach programme encouraged farmers to shift towards soil-test-based nutrient management and reduce the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers. Scientists also promoted the principle of conserving both soil and water within the farm to improve long-term agricultural productivity.

During field visits and interactive sessions, experts demonstrated practical techniques for balanced fertiliser application and explained the importance of preparing properly decomposed farmyard manure. Farmers in Aina received guidance on efficient nutrient management, while those in Kuwali and Mahatgaon were trained in the use of green manure, organic inputs and the scientific control of white grub infestations, which are often aggravated by the application of raw cattle dung.

The training also highlighted the advantages of natural farming practices and the use of bio-fertilisers, particularly in Pagsa and Mahatgaon. In Gogyand Basi Seem village of Syalde block, scientists, along with local agriculture department officials, briefed farmers on balanced cultivation practices and informed them about key government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and the process of obtaining Farmer IDs.

Experts also addressed pressing issues affecting agriculture in the region, including crop losses caused by wild boars and monkeys and the growing challenge of water scarcity. Farmers were advised to adopt scientific interventions such as wire fencing, geoline water storage tanks, and modern irrigation systems, including sprinkler and drip irrigation.

The awareness campaign concluded with interactive discussions in which farmers sought guidance on crop management techniques, government schemes and sustainable farming methods. Organisers said the enthusiastic participation reflected the growing interest among farmers in adopting science-based agricultural practices to improve productivity and resilience, the press release added.