उत्तर गोवा के नार्वे में खेत बचाओ अभियान के अंतर्गत कृषि आदानों के संतुलित उपयोग को बढ़ावा
Balanced Use of Agricultural Inputs Promoted under Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Narve, North Goa
The Directorate of Agriculture, ATMA–North Goa, and the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Mormugao, Goa, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa, organized Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA–Rabi 2026) at Narve village, Bicholim taluka, North Goa, on 23 October 2026. The programme aimed to sensitize farmers to sustainable horticultural crop production through the balanced and judicious use of agricultural inputs, adoption of biological pest management practices, and effective utilization of natural farming inputs.
As part of the campaign, Mr. Anjaneya Reddy J. C., Assistant Director, CIPMC, Mormugao, Goa, highlighted biological methods of pest management, with particular emphasis on the use of natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, for controlling insect pests in horticultural crops. He stressed the importance of conserving beneficial insects and adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize dependence on chemical pesticides and maintain ecological balance in agricultural ecosystems.
Dr. Nivya K. R., Subject Matter Specialist (Floriculture and Landscaping), ICAR–KVK, North Goa, addressed the farmers on the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for sustainable horticultural crop production. She emphasized the importance of applying fertilizers according to crop requirements and soil nutrient status, avoiding indiscriminate fertilizer application, and adopting integrated nutrient management practices to improve soil health, enhance crop productivity, and reduce cultivation costs. She also highlighted the role of organic manures, compost, and other sustainable nutrient management practices in maintaining long-term soil fertility and promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Jayanta Ishwar Naik, Assistant Plant Protection Officer, CIPMC, Mormugao, Goa, explained the preparation and application of natural farming inputs, particularly Jeevamrut and Dashparni Ark. He elaborated on their preparation methods and practical applications in farmers’ fields, highlighting their potential role in supporting plant growth and managing certain insect pests as components of an integrated and sustainable crop management approach.
Ms. Poonam Mahale, BTM, ATMA–North Goa, discussed the recommended package of practices for nutmeg cultivation. She emphasized about selection of quality planting material, appropriate planting time and methods, intercropping systems, and integrated water and nutrient management practices for improving crop establishment, productivity, and sustainability.
A total of 50 farmers, comprising 12 men and 38 women, participated in the programme and benefited from the technical sessions. As part of the initiative, officials from the Directorate of Agriculture and ATMA North Goa distributed compost to the participating farmers to encourage the use of organic manures and promote sustainable soil fertility management. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Anjaneya Reddy J. C., Mr. Jayanta Ishwar Naik, Ms. Poonam Mahale, and Dr. Nivya K. R.