HT Bureau
NAMSAI, June 5: The nationwide pre-kharif campaign “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” continued into its eighth day on Thursday with a series of awareness programs organised across the blocks of Chowkham, Namsai, and Lekang in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to an official statement, the events, which also coincided with World Environment Day, focused on scientific agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
In Piyong, Theja Angami, a scientist from the ICAR–AP Centre in Basar, urged farmers to adopt sustainable practices such as intercropping in arecanut plantations, soybean cultivation with plantation crops to boost soil fertility, and the use of low-cost polyhouse technology to increase vegetable productivity.
At various sessions held across the district, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Namsai, including Senior Scientist and Head Utpal Barua, SMS (Plant Protection) Madhumita Sonowal Bora, and SMS (Agronomy) K Nithinkumar, provided detailed guidance on integrated nutrient and pest management systems.
They also emphasized the importance of leguminous crop inclusion, mulching, and scientific methods for cultivating paddy and maize.
The discussions highlighted the value of organic and natural farming, crop diversification, and integrated farming systems for long-term agricultural sustainability.
In observance of World Environment Day, the adverse impacts of deforestation on the ecological balance of Northeastern India were underlined.
Representatives from the State Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services also took part, briefing farmers on various central and state-sponsored schemes designed to promote rural livelihoods and agricultural development.
Farmers were encouraged to take advantage of the subsidies and benefits provided under these schemes.
A farmer–scientist interaction session allowed participants to voice their concerns, particularly on arecanut planting techniques and pest and disease management strategies, receiving practical advice from the attending experts.
To mark the occasion, saplings were planted in all three blocks of Namsai district.
The initiative also promoted the use of biodegradable alternatives and discouraged plastic usage, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to environmental conservation alongside agricultural progress.