Chandel, May 13: A training programme on the preparation of Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut under the Natural Farming initiative was  conducted from today at Modi village, Chandel. The event was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel to promote sustainable agricultural practices among local farmers.

Dr. Ameeta Devi informed that Natural farming is not just a technique, but a movement towards healthier soil, healthier crops, and healthier communities. Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut are powerful bio-inputs that improve soil fertility, reduce costs, and protect our environment. She encouraged all farmers to adopt the practices, as they will ensure long-term sustainability and prosperity for the families and future generations.

Following the address, Ps. Lavid Anal emphasized that the training represents a significant step toward agricultural self-reliance. “By preparing Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut locally, farmers can eliminate their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These natural formulations enrich the soil and stimulate vital microbial activity, ultimately leading to better crop yields,” she explained. She further urged the participants to implement and share the knowledge to help other farmers in adopting natural farming. The trainingwas also attended by Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding), Dr. Kl. Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy) and Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engg.). After the training, a field visit was also conducted.

A total of 20 farmers participated in the programme, gaining practical expertise in fabricating bio-inputs that restore soil health, cut production costs, and boost crop productivity.

May 11, 2026: An Awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilizers held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel, where experts emphasized the importance of scientific nutrient management for sustainable agricultural development. The programme witnessed the active participation of 21 farmers from different parts of the district.

The event was organized with the objective of creating awareness among farmers on the judicious and balanced application of fertilizers to improve soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. The programme was presided over by the presidium members comprising Dr. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head; Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding); Dr. Kl. Levish Chongloi, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy); and Ps. Lavid Anal, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture).

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ameeta Devi highlighted the urgent need for adopting balanced fertilizer practices to maintain long-term soil fertility and ensure sustainable crop production. She stated that excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers not only degrades soil quality but also affects the environment and human health. She encouraged farmers to adopt soil testing and integrated nutrient management practices for better yields and economic returns.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kl. Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy), elaborated on the scientific methods of fertilizer application and stressed the importance of applying the right fertilizer at the right time and in the right quantity. She also discussed the benefits of integrating organic manures with chemical fertilizers to enhance soil structure and moisture retention capacity.

Ts. Leenda Monsang emphasized the role of improved crop varieties and proper nutrient management in achieving higher productivity. She urged farmers to select suitable crop varieties and combine them with balanced fertilizer application for optimum performance in the field.

Meanwhile, Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), spoke about balanced nutrient management in horticultural crops. She advised farmers to promote the use of organic inputs and bio-fertilizers in fruit and vegetable cultivation to improve product quality and reduce dependency on excessive chemical fertilizers.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers shared their experiences and the experts clarified the farmers’ doubts regarding fertilizer management practices.

Chandel, April 24, 2026: An awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilizers was successfully conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel in collaboration with Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA–Chandel) on April 24, 2026. The programme witnessed active participation from 48 farmers, including 31 male and 17 female farmers from different parts of the district.

The programme was attended by distinguished presidium members, namely Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer, Chandel, Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding) and Lavid Anal, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) of ICAR – KVK Chandel.

Addressing the gathering, District Agriculture Officer Lovejoy Anal emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer application in farmers’ fields for sustainable crop production and maintaining long-term soil health. He informed the farmers about the adverse effects of excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and encouraged them to adopt scientific nutrient management practices. He also briefed the participants on various government schemes and support programmes related to fertilizer distribution and agricultural inputs available for farmers in the district.

During the technical session, Ts. Leenda Monsang elaborated on the importance of balanced fertilizer use in enhancing crop productivity, improving seed quality, and increasing overall farm income. She explained that proper application of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in recommended doses plays a vital role in healthy crop growth and higher yields. She further highlighted the importance of integrated nutrient management practices, combining organic manures, bio-fertilizers, and chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility and maintain ecological balance. She also encouraged farmers to adopt scientific crop and seed production technologies for sustainable agriculture and better economic returns.

Speaking on the occasion, Ps. Lavid Anal stressed the significance of balanced fertilizer management in horticultural crops such as fruits and vegetables. She explained that improper fertilizer application can negatively affect plant growth, fruit quality, and soil productivity. She encouraged farmers to use organic manure along with chemical fertilizers in a balanced and timely manner to improve crop quality, enhance nutrient uptake, and maintain soil health. She also highlighted the role of micronutrients in horticulture production and advised farmers to adopt scientific nutrient management practices for achieving higher productivity and sustainable horticulture farming.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers shared their experiences and clarified their doubts regarding fertilizer management practices and crop production technologies. The awareness campaign aimed to create awareness among farmers on the scientific and judicious use of fertilizers for improving agricultural productivity while conserving soil and environmental health.

Chandel, 18/03/2026: In a significant move toward enhancing nutritional security and boosting farm income in the region, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel organized a specialized “Field Day” today at M Gamnom Village, situated within the Sajiktampak, Chakpikarong block, Chandel District. The event focused on the performance and benefits of the IPL 220 lentil variety, drawing 20 progressive farmers from the village and its surrounding areas.

Addressing the gathering, Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), provided an in-depth technical overview of the IPL 220 variety. She emphasized that this specific variety has been meticulously developed for the North East Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India, making it ideally suited for the local agro-climatic conditions of Chandel. She highlighted that unlike traditional varieties, IPL 220 is biofortified, which is naturally bred to contain higher levels of essential micronutrients. She explained that the lentil variety is rich in Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) and stated that “the variety is not just a crop; it is a tool to combat ‘hidden hunger’ and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children in our rural communities.”

The variety boasts high resistance to major threats such as Rust, Fusarium Wilt, and Stemphylium Blight, significantly reducing the need for chemical interventions. It reaches maturity within 120–125 days, offering a substantial potential yield of 15–20 quintals per hectare.

The programme was graced by the presence of the Village Chief, Lunkhopao, along with representatives from the Kana Area farmers. From the KVK side, Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Dehkhohao Doungel, Technical Officer (CA), were also present to facilitate the interaction and address farmer queries regarding crop management, its diversification and mobile advisory.

The Field Day concluded with a crop demonstration, where farmers observed the standing crop’s health and vigour. The successful showcase of IPL 220 underscores KVK Chandel’s commitment to introducing climate-resilient and nutritionally superior crop varieties to the doorsteps of tribal farmers.

CHANDEL, 04/02/2026:  The 21st Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of ICAR–KVK Chandel was convened today at the KVK Chandel Conference Hall, conducted in a hybrid format (online and offline).

The inaugural session was graced by Reikimdaar Khaling (MCS), SDO Chandel, as the Chief Guest; Sp. Lovejoy Anal, DAO Chandel, as the Guest of Honour; and Dr. Ch. Basuda Devi, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR–Manipur Centre, as the Functional President.

Prominent experts joined the deliberations virtually, including Dr. AK Singha (Principal Scientist, ICAR–ATARI Umiam), Prof. Deepak Nath (Dy. Director of Extension Education, CAU), and Dr. S. Basanta Singh (Nodal Officer).

The meeting also saw active participation from the Senior Scientists and Heads of several KVKs, including Dr. A. Ameeta Devi (Chandel), Dr. Manoj Kumar Pandey (Churachandpur), Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi (Imphal East), and Dr. H. Lembi Sana Devi (Tamenglong), alongside Dr. S. Khogen Singh (Ukhrul). Scientific experts from the ICAR–Manipur Centre, including Dr. N. Umakanta, Dr. T. Basanta, and Dr. L. Channu Langlentombi, were also in attendance, together with officials from various line departments, KVK Chandel staff, and six progressive farmers from the district.

The SAC meeting is an annual statutory exercise designed to provide scientific guidance and strategic support for KVK activities. It serves as a vital platform where scientists, line department officials, and farmers evaluate progress, review action plans, and strategize for future technology assessments.

During the technical session, the Annual Report for 2025 and the Annual Action Plan for 2026 were presented and discussed in detail, specifically focusing on the disciplines of Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, and Agricultural Engineering. Enriched by the inputs of participating farmers and experts, the SAC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ welfare through innovative practices and collaborative efforts in the coming year.

Chandel, 15/12/2025: A crucial training program focused on quality seed production techniques for Rabi field crops was conducted today at the ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel. The one-day program, held under the auspices of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Seed (Crops), aimed to equip local farmers with scientific knowledge and practices essential for enhancing crop yield and achieving self-sufficiency in quality seed production within the district. The training was presided over by Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Plant Breeding. During the programme, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK Chandel emphasized the pivotal role of quality seeds in the agricultural value chain. She highlighted that seed is the most vital input for crop production, and the efficiency and performance of other inputs like fertilizers and irrigation depend directly on seed quality and  stressed the importance of safe seed storage methods to ensure year-round seed availability for the community. She encouraged farmers to embrace scientific practices for seed production to strengthen local seed systems and boost their income, thereby improving overall food security. While Ts. Leenda Monsang, in her technical session elaborated on the practical aspects of quality seed production. She highlighted the importance of farmer participation in seed production programs under the AICRP initiative, her session provided detailed guidance on the package of practices for rabi field crops, specifically focusing on lentil, rapeseed mustard and field pea for quality seed production.

The training concluded with an interactive farmer-scientist session, allowing participants to directly address their queries and concerns with the KVK experts. As part of the program, quality seeds were distributed to the 27 participating farmers to facilitate practical application of the learned techniques in their fields. The programme was also attended by Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engg.), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) and staff of KVK Chandel.