KARGIL: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-I has launched a month-long district-wide campaign, “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, aimed at promoting soil conservation, sustainable agriculture and farmer awareness, while urging cultivators to adopt natural farming practices to safeguard long-term soil health.
The campaign, which commenced on June 1 and will continue until June 30, forms part of a national flagship initiative focused on strengthening soil management and encouraging environmentally sustainable farming practices. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of agricultural experts, including Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Dr. Nazir Hussain and Dr. Mansoor Hussain, along with farmers from Kargil Block.
As part of the outreach drive, farmers will be sensitised on soil testing, Soil Health Cards, balanced fertiliser application, water conservation measures and natural farming techniques. The campaign will also facilitate awareness about government welfare schemes, including PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Crop Insurance Scheme, Kisan Credit Card and farm mechanisation programmes.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Nasreen Fatima underscored the need to preserve soil fertility and promote sustainable cultivation practices. She said Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon farmers across the country to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and embrace eco-friendly alternatives.
Following the launch, KVK Kargil-I organised a specialised training programme on “Natural Farming for Sustainable Soil Health”, attended by 53 farmers. The training featured practical demonstrations on the preparation and use of compost, Jeevamrit and fermented plant extracts, enabling participants to adopt low-cost, resource-efficient farming methods.
Experts highlighted that natural farming enhances soil microbial activity, improves water retention, reduces erosion and contributes to stable agricultural productivity. Farmers were also encouraged to adopt crop rotation and intercropping practices to strengthen pest management and improve farm resilience.
Participants described the training as practical and cost-effective, expressing confidence in applying the techniques in their fields. KVK officials assured continuous technical support through field visits, demonstration plots and advisory services during the campaign period.
The programme concluded with farmers pledging to promote soil conservation and sustainable agriculture practices within their communities, reinforcing efforts to protect agricultural resources for future generations.
