ICAR–MGIFRI, Motihari Launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 in East Champaran, Bihar

22 October 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (MGIFRI), Motihari, Bihar, launched Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) – Rabi 2026 at Jasauli Patti Gram Panchayat in Kotwa Block, East Champaran district, to promote soil health management, balanced fertilizer use, natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme witnessed the participation of 57 farmers and local stakeholders.

The campaign aimed to create awareness among farmers about scientific Rabi crop planning, crop diversification, integrated nutrient management, efficient resource utilization and sustainable crop residue management. Scientists from ICAR–MGIFRI interacted with farmers and shared practical recommendations to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce input costs and promote self-reliant farming systems.

Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR–MGIFRI, emphasized the need to develop economically viable and climate-resilient farming systems by integrating crops, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and other farm enterprises. He highlighted the importance of maintaining soil health, recycling locally available resources, reducing dependence on costly external inputs and adopting location-specific integrated farming models. He also stressed the need to combine traditional knowledge with scientific innovations and improved farm management practices to enhance productivity and profitability.

The technical sessions highlighted the importance of soil testing, Soil Health Card-based recommendations, balanced fertilizer application and integrated nutrient management for sustaining soil fertility. Farmers were encouraged to avoid indiscriminate fertilizer use and incorporate farmyard manure, compost, green manure, crop residues and biofertilizers into farming systems. The role of legumes and diversified cropping systems in improving soil health and reducing cultivation costs was also discussed.

The scientists provided advisories on improved Rabi crop planning and recommended production practices for wheat, maize, mustard and pulses. Discussions covered suitable crop varieties, timely sowing, seed treatment, optimum seed rates, irrigation scheduling and weed management. Farmers were also sensitized about conservation agriculture, zero-tillage technologies and appropriate crop residue management practices, including mulching, composting and soil incorporation, to discourage residue burning and improve resource-use efficiency.

The programme also addressed post-harvest management, including proper drying, grading, safe storage and value addition to minimize losses and enhance farm income. The integration of horticultural crops and livestock-based enterprises was highlighted as a means of diversifying income sources and strengthening rural livelihoods.

As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, 60 fruit saplings, including aonla, guava, pomegranate and jamun, were distributed among participating farmers. The initiative aimed to promote tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, household nutritional security and sustainable use of farm and homestead spaces. Farmers were encouraged to plant and nurture trees in honour of their mothers and ensure their long-term survival through proper care and protection.

The farmer–scientist interaction provided an opportunity for participants to share field-level challenges related to soil fertility, fertilizer management, crop establishment, irrigation and rising input costs. The scientific team offered technical guidance and encouraged farmers to adopt improved practices suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

The launch marked the beginning of ICAR–MGIFRI’s field-level activities under Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026. Further village-level awareness programmes, farmer interactions and field demonstrations will be conducted through multidisciplinary teams in coordination with the concerned Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the State Agriculture Department and other stakeholders.

The initiative reflects the Institute’s continued efforts to promote healthy soils, balanced fertilization, crop diversification and sustainable, self-reliant farming systems for resilient agriculture and improved farmer livelihoods in eastern India.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)