DOIMUKH : Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday launched the statewide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ at Tana Hari Fish Farm in Emchi village near Doimukh, calling on farmers, government agencies and the public to join a collective movement to protect the state’s soil health and promote sustainable agriculture.
Organised by the District Agriculture Office, Yupia, the programme was attended by farmers, panchayat leaders, members of Kisan Morcha and agriculture officials from across Papum Pare district.
Addressing the gathering, Wangsu said the campaign seeks to address growing concerns over soil degradation, loss of agricultural land during monsoon seasons, declining soil fertility and environmental imbalances caused by excessive use of chemical fertilisers.
“This abhiyan resonates deeply with our people. Over the years, we have neglected our indigenous food systems and overexploited our land. The excessive use of chemical fertilisers has damaged both our soil and water resources,” he said.
Emphasising the need for sustainable farming practices, the minister urged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as natural farming and vermicomposting. He described soil conservation as a tribute to the traditional wisdom of ancestors who nurtured the land through sustainable agricultural practices.
“Saving our soil is not a political movement. It is our collective responsibility towards our land, our farmers and our future. Though the results may not be immediate, we must persevere,” Wangsu said.
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for launching the nationwide initiative.
As Guest of Honour, MLA Nabam Vivek said the gradual shift away from natural farming practices had made such awareness campaigns necessary.
“We have gradually moved away from natural farming, which has made such an awareness movement necessary. The campaign is ultimately about the health of our citizens and ensuring access to safe and healthy food,” he said.
Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering also lauded the initiative, describing it as a visionary effort aimed at safeguarding the state’s agricultural future.
The programme included technical sessions on balanced fertiliser use, soil health management and natural farming practices for farmers and stakeholders.
Among those present were Agriculture Director Nokliam Sumnyang, Joint Director (Plant Protection) and other departmental officials.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a month-long nationwide awareness campaign of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare running from June 1 to 30. The initiative focuses on soil health management, balanced use of fertilisers, promotion of natural farming, reduction in edible oil consumption and preparedness against drought conditions through training programmes and field-level demonstrations across the country.
At Tawang, the district-level Kheti Bachao Abhiyaan was launched during a programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, led by Tawang In-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta and attended by officials of agriculture and allied departments, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, community-based organisations, Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Leta emphasised the need to safeguard cultivable land from unplanned construction and encourage organic and natural farming practices. He said excessive use of chemical inputs harms the environment and destroys beneficial microorganisms and earthworms essential for maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity.
Leta urged officials and community leaders to continue educating farmers through demonstrations and awareness programmes even after the campaign period. He also highlighted the importance of crop rotation in maintaining soil health and ensuring sustainable agricultural production.
