CIFRI Awards
Chinsurah,W.B.
Reinforcing the themes of Soil Health Management, Natural Farming, Integrated Farming, and Balanced Fertilizer Use, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hooghly jointly organized a farmer awareness programme at Chinsurah under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) initiative and as part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan on 4th June 2026. More than 100 farmers, including 45 students of the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) programme, participated enthusiastically. The month-long campaign focuses on soil health, balanced fertilizer use, eco-friendly farming, and the vital agriculture–aquatic ecosystem linkage for sustainable livelihoods.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble Subir Nag, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Chinsurah Constituency, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the urgent need to conserve soil health and restore ecological balance through natural and sustainable farming practices. He highlighted that excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has adversely affected soil fertility, water quality, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture. He further stressed that natural farming can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil organic matter, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable food production.
Dr. Purnima Halder, Prof. Manabendra Ray, and Dr. Canciyal Johnson, who interacted with farmers and shared scientific insights on sustainable agricultural practices.
A major highlight of the programme was the promotion of green manuring through Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata/Sesbania bispinosa), a fast-growing leguminous crop known for improving soil organic matter, enriching nitrogen content, enhancing soil structure, increasing moisture retention, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Scientists also advocated Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), combining organic manures, compost, biofertilizers, green manure crops, and balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing to improve farm sustainability and resource-use efficiency.
