Chandel, 29/06/2026: As part of the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Field Campaign), a vital Capacity Building Programme on Soil Fertility Enhancement through Simple Measures was formally inaugurated today at Lambung Village, Chandel District, under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project. The programme, scheduled to conclude on July 1, 2026, was organised by ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel.

The programme focuses on empowering local farmers with practical knowledge and hands-on skills in key sustainable agriculture techniques, including balanced use of chemical fertilizers, vermi composting, and green manuring. The initiative is part of a broader effort under NICRA to build climate resilience at the grassroots level by promoting ecologically sound and cost-effective soil management practices that reduce dependence on costly inputs while enhancing long-term soil productivity.

Dr. A Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR – KVK Chandel, and Principal Investigator of the NICRA Chandel Project, presided over the inaugural function and delivered the keynote address. Welcoming participants, she emphasised the critical need to move away from blanket and indiscriminate fertilizer application, which has been steadily degrading soil health across the district. She stated: “Our soils are living ecosystems. The relentless overuse of synthetic fertilizers disrupts the microbial balance and diminishes the natural fertility that our farming ancestors carefully preserved.

Sp Lovejoy, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chandel, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he lauded such capacity-building initiatives through Khet Bachao Abhiyan campaign and the NICRA Project. He said our farmers are intelligent and hardworking; what they need is timely, reliable, and practical technical guidance. Campaigns like this one, which bring scientists and farmers face-to-face at the village level, are exactly what our farmers need. He urged every farmer to take the lessons from this training back to their fields and share them with fellow cultivators to build a district that is both productive and ecologically sustainable.

Dr. Langlentombi Chanu, Scientist (Agro Forestry), ICAR – Manipur Centre, who attended as a special invitee and resource person, highlighted the synergistic relationship between agro-forestry systems and soil fertility management. She said: “Integrating trees and perennial plants into farming systems is one of the most underutilised strategies for improving soil organic carbon and fertility in our hill districts. Agro-forestry creates a natural cycle of leaf litter, root biomass, and biological nitrogen fixation that complements and even reduces the need for external fertilizer inputs.”

Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agricultural Engineering) and Co-Principal Investigator, NICRA Chandel, also addressed the gathering by stressing the importance of simple engineering interventions that support soil and water conservation at the farm level. He observed: “Soil fertility cannot be sustained without also addressing soil moisture and water management. Many of our farmers are losing topsoil to erosion precisely because they do not have access to basic knowledge of farm-level conservation measures. In today’s technical session, we will cover not only balanced fertilization and organic inputs, but also practical soil health management measures that any farmer can adopt without heavy investment. Sustainable soil is the foundation of sustainable farming, and our farmers deserve every opportunity to achieve it.”

The programme also saw active participation and contributions from the Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) of KVK Chandel: Dr. KL. Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy), Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture). These specialists will provide domain-specific sessions over the course of the programme, covering crop-specific nutrient management, varietal selection for improved productivity under balanced nutrition, and nutrient management practices tailored for horticultural crops grown in the district.

Scientists and Farmers interactive session was also conducted to reinforce practical learning for the farmers of Lambung and Riverlane village of Chandel District. Thereafter, the programme for today was concluded with input distribution of vegetable seeds to the participating farmers.

CHANDEL, June 23, 2026: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening rural livelihoods, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, successfully organized an intensive agricultural awareness campaign under the banner of “Khet Bachao Abhiyaan” (Save the Fields Campaign) at Modi Village today. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 206 progressive farmers representing Modi and Chandel Khubul villages, reflecting the growing interest among farmers in adopting environmentally sustainable and economically viable farming practices.

The awareness campaign was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel; Shri Sp Lovejoy, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chandel; and Shri Ananjoy, Member, BJP Kisan Morcha, Chandel. The programme served as an important platform for disseminating scientific knowledge and practical solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers in the region.

In her keynote address, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi emphasized the urgent need to restore soil fertility and reduce the excessive dependence on chemical inputs. She stated, “Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture and food security. Through awareness, scientific management of nutrients, and adoption of eco-friendly farming practices, our farmers can reduce production costs, improve soil health, and ensure long-term productivity of their fields. KVK Chandel remains committed to providing continuous technical support to our farming community.”

Addressing the gathering, Sp Lovejoy, District Agriculture Officer, highlighted the role of farmers in safeguarding agricultural resources. He remarked, “The future of agriculture depends on how effectively we conserve our natural resources today. Farmers should adopt balanced fertilizer application, regular soil testing, and organic farming practices to maintain soil fertility and enhance crop yields. Such initiatives are vital for achieving sustainable agricultural development in the district.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ananjoy encouraged farmers to embrace scientific innovations while preserving traditional agricultural wisdom. He said, “The Khet Bachao Abhiyaan is a timely initiative that empowers farmers with practical knowledge and sustainable solutions. By adopting improved technologies and natural farming methods, farmers can strengthen their livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.”

A major highlight of the programme was the technical awareness session conducted by scientists and experts from ICAR Manipur Centre and KVK Chandel, who delivered comprehensive lectures and interactive demonstrations on sustainable agricultural practices. The sessions focused on four key pillars essential for improving soil health and farm productivity:

• Balanced fertilizer application to prevent nutrient imbalance and soil toxicity.
• Vermi-compost production techniques for enhancing soil organic matter and microbial activity.
• Natural farming practices aimed at reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Soil testing and nutrient diagnosis methods for identifying field-specific deficiencies and ensuring precise nutrient management.

The experts stressed that indiscriminate use of agrochemicals not only increases cultivation costs but also degrades soil quality over time. Farmers were encouraged to adopt integrated nutrient management practices and make soil testing a regular component of their farming operations.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, during which farmers shared their experiences and sought expert guidance on various agricultural issues. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical and farmer-centric nature of the training and pledged to implement the recommended practices in their fields. Vegetable seeds were distributed to the participating farmers.

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.