RISING FARMING COSTS AND DECLINING SOIL FERTILITY: Dr. VIKAS SINGH

RISING FARMING COSTS AND DECLINING SOIL FERTILITY: Dr. VIKAS SINGH

13-JUNE-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------A one-day farmers' awareness and training program was organized at the Barhara Kisan Bhawan under the "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" (Save the Farm Campaign). The primary objective of the program was to raise awareness among farmers regarding scientific techniques such as soil health conservation and balanced nutrient management.

Key attendees included Dr. Vikas Singh (Scientist, KVK) and Sompal Gangwar (Deputy Project Director, ATMA Bhojpur). In his address, Dr. Vikas Singh noted that rising farming costs and declining soil fertility are becoming significant challenges for farmers today. Emphasizing advanced vegetable and fruit cultivation during the Kharif season, he advised farmers to use high-quality seeds and healthy saplings. He explained that high-quality saplings could be produced at a low cost by adopting pro-tray-based nursery production techniques. Dr. Singh also encouraged farmers to utilize vermicompost, well-decomposed cow dung manure, bio-fertilizers, and other organic resources in their fields. He explained that the integrated use of organic sources alongside chemical fertilizers improves soil structure and fertility, ensuring sustained crop productivity over the long term.

Addressing the farmers, Sompal Gangwar stated that the core objective of the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (Save the Fields Campaign) is to maintain farm productivity and conserve natural resources. He urged farmers to cultivate green manure crops—such as *Dhaincha*, *Sunnhemp*, *Moong* (green gram), and *Urad* (black gram)—which increase organic carbon and nitrogen levels in the soil, thereby enhancing land productivity. He emphasized that a scientific approach to farming is essential in light of the impacts of climate change; adopting techniques that yield higher produce with less water can make agriculture more profitable. Farmers raised numerous questions regarding vegetable production, orchard management, fertilizer application, pest and disease control, and the cultivation of Kharif crops, all of which were answered in detail by the experts.