CHANDEL, Dec 5: Emphasizing the critical role of soil in both rural agriculture and urban resilience, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, observed World Soil Day today at its Conference Hall under the global theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.”

The observance brought together agricultural experts, district officials, and local farmers to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), highlighted the indispensable nature of soil, noting that over 95 percent of human food originates from it. “Soil supplies 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants,” he stated.

Dr. Singh drew particular attention to this year’s theme, which shifts the focus from traditional rural landscapes to urban environments. He mooted that while soil is often associated with the countryside, urban soil is equally fundamental.

“Beneath asphalt, buildings, and streets lies soil that, if permeable and vegetated, helps absorb rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon, and improve air quality,” Dr. Singh explained. He warned that sealing soil with cement strips it of these functions, rendering cities vulnerable to flooding, overheating, and pollution. He urged policymakers and citizens alike to “rethink urban spaces from the ground up.”

The Guest of Honour, Shri Khagokpam Sundeep, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Chandel, described soil as an “inseparable entity” for the planet and a primary means of livelihood. Expressing concern over urbanization-induced degradation, he noted that deforestation has hastened the leaching of organic carbon, ultimately reducing fertility. He strongly encouraged the farming community to adopt organic farming practices to ensure sustainability.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Sp. Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chandel, stressed the need to conserve fertility through tree plantation, noting that canopy cover naturally mitigates erosion.

Shri Lovejoy also highlighted the administrative importance of soil maintenance, informing the gathering that Soil Health Cards have become mandatory for availing benefits under various government schemes. He urged farmers to prioritize soil testing to secure these cards.

Dr. Asem Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel, connected agricultural health to public health. “Healthy soils will not only lead to healthy cities but also to healthy citizens,” she remarked, adding that the right balance of macro and micro-nutrients is essential for increasing farm income and providing nutritious food.

The program was attended by officials including Shri Soraisam Suraj (AO, Dept. of Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Dr. Kl. Levish (SMS, Agronomy), Smt. Ts. Leenda Monsang (SMS, Plant Breeding), Smt. Ps. Lavid Anal (Horticulture), and Smt. Lungni Anal (SRF, NICRA Project).

The event concluded with the distribution of Soil Health Cards and vegetable seeds—including onion, coriander, and palak—to the 48 farmers participating in the programme.

Chandel, 26/11/2025:

Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas, was formally observed at the ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, on November 26^th. This annual commemoration marks the day the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution in 1949. The primary objective of the observance was not merely to fulfill a mandate but to deeply sensitize all staff members about the foundational framework, philosophy, and enduring spirit of the Constitution. Specifically for KVK Chandel, the goal was to integrate these high constitutional principles—especially those relating to justice, equality, and dignity—into the daily functioning of agricultural extension, research, and outreach activities, ensuring service delivery remains equitable and inclusive for the farming community. The entire event saw enthusiastic and active participation from all personnel.

The central and most impactful segment of the day was the detailed address delivered by the Senior Scientist & Head, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi. Dr. Devi used her insightful presentation to emphasize the Constitution’s pivotal significance in national life and its role as the backbone of democratic governance. She meticulously focused on how these national ideals translate into practical ethics for an agricultural institution like KVK.

Her address highlighted three crucial pillars:

Constitutional Rights and Values: Dr. Devi provided an explanation of fundamental rights, illustrating their importance in ensuring every citizen, particularly vulnerable farmers, receives liberty and justice. She underscored the core values of secularism and social justice, urging staff to adopt a non-discriminatory approach in all extension work and beneficiary selection.

Fundamental Duties: A key emphasis was placed on the Fundamental Duties, stressing the necessary balance between claiming rights and fulfilling responsibilities. For the KVK staff, this was interpreted as a duty to promote harmony, protect public property (including institutional resources), and strive for excellence in the sphere of scientific and developmental outreach.

Democratic Principles: The discussion reinforced core democratic principles—liberty, equality, and fraternity. Dr. Devi stressed that true institutional functioning requires a participatory, transparent, and democratic decision-making process, ensuring every staff member’s voice is heard and that all stakeholders are treated with fairness.

Following the profound address, a formal pledge ceremony was conducted. Led by the Senior Scientist & Head, all staff members stood in solemn reaffirmation of their commitment. They collectively pledged to uphold the constitutional values, preserve the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, and dedicate themselves to the service of the country. This act was a powerful, collective affirmation, serving as a solemn reminder of the commitment required to internalize and maintain the spirit of the Constitution in their professional and personal lives.

The Constitution Day observance at ICAR – KVK Chandel was highly effective in achieving its objective of deepening constitutional literacy and instilling a heightened sense of institutional and national duty among the staff. The event concluded with a palpable and renewed commitment from all participants to not only abide by the democratic principles but also to actively reflect these values in their work, thereby strengthening the democratic foundation of the institution’s engagement with the community. This annual observance reinforces the KVK’s dedication to its mandate within the framework of the Republic.

Chandel, November 11, 2025: The ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, successfully organized a Field Day on Farmers’ Participatory Seed Production of the high-yielding rice variety RC Maniphou-13 (RCM 30). Conducted under the Front Line Demonstration program, the event was held today at Laiching Maipou village in Machi Block, aiming to showcase the variety’s potential and facilitate wider adoption.

The program was graced by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR – KVK Chandel, alongside local dignitaries, including M. Tomba, Chairman Laiching Meipou village, and Rev. D. Kodang, Pastor Laiching Meipou village.

Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), informed the participating farmers about the superior characteristics of RC Maniphou-13. She highlighted that this mid-duration rice variety, developed for the Northeastern Hill Region, matures in 125–135 days and offers exceptional yield potential, with harvests reaching 60 to 70 quintals per hectare (q/ha). Furthermore, she emphasized that the variety possesses strong resistance to both leaf and neck blast, a common and destructive rice disease. She also stressed that the variety’s climate-resilience is crucial for enhancing food security and improving farmer profitability in Manipur, while its medium duration facilitates the adoption of more intensive and profitable double cropping systems.

In her address, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Chandel, highly valued the hard work, effort, and contributions made by the farmers in the participatory seed production effort, encouraging them to continue embracing new technologies for sustainable agriculture.

The event also included a Scientist-Farmer Interaction Session where technical queries were addressed by KVK specialists: Dr. Kl Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agricultural Engineering), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Kamei Super, Senior Technical Officer (Farm Management). The successful program concluded with a field visit to the demonstration plot and the distribution of Garden Pea and other rabi vegetable seeds to the 47 participating farmers.

Chandel, 7/11/2025:

ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandel, organized a Field Day on the rice variety RC-Maniphou-16 under the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on 7^th November 2025 at Chandel Christian village, Chandel. The programme was done to show farmers the importance of practicing Integrated Nutrient Management in order to improve the production and productivity of the rice variety RC-Maniphou-16 and to increase its profitability.

SMS (Agronomy) of the ICAR-KVK Chandel, Dr. Khumlo Levish, pointed out the performance of a newly released variety of RC-Maniphou-16 created by the ICAR Research Complex in NEH Region, Manipur Centre. She reported that it is semi-dwarf, medium-duration type of variety with the potential of yielding 7-8 t/ha with correct management. The variety is not susceptible to the leaf and neck blast diseases and has a low quantity of amylase thus its soft cooking quality is very preferred by consumers in Manipur. She also elaborated more on the fact that Integrated Nutrient Management is a whole system approach that promotes nutrient-use efficiency, minimizes nutrient loss to the environment, promotes soil health, and improves climate resilience. She promoted the use of wise and moderate fertilizer application by farmers so as to have long-term soil welfare and production.

As part of addressing the farmers, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Chandel, called on farmers to embrace the use of INM and do away with excessive use of inorganic fertilizers to keep crop production alive without compromising the ecology. She valued the effort, hard work and the contributions made by the farmers in the agriculture industry.

Scientist Farmer Interaction Session was also organized in which Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and other staff of ICAR-KVK Chandel also attended. The programme ended with a field visit where the technology has been conducted with the distribution of field pea and rabi vegetable seeds to 45 farmers.

Chandel, 13/08/2025:

A capacity building-cum-input distribution programme entitled “Empowerment of Tribal Farmers under NICRA Project” was organised today at the Community Hall of Chandel Christian Village, Chandel under the “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)” Project, KVK Chandel.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Hb. Lungni Anal, SRF (NICRA Project). During the programme, Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), the Nodal Officer, NICRA Project, Chandel in his keynote address stressed the need and importance of empowering the tribal farmers of the aspirational district of Chandel by working on enhancing resilience of the local agriculture practices to climate change and climate vulnerability though strategic research, development, demonstration and application of improved production and risk management technologies. He stated that in the recent times, rainfall variability has become the norm in the state which is characterised by the unevenness in the time and amount of rainfall. With increasing variability, precipitation is more unevenly distributed over time resulting in wetter wet periods and drier dry periods. Some locations may receive a year’s amount of rainfall in just a few days’ time, have elongated dry spells followed by intense downpour thus alternating between drought-like situations and flood. Climate change is a reality and an increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases has been observed in the district. The district is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields. As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Chandel. He urged that location-specific climate smart technology baskets need to be devised or introduced and should be demonstrated through participatory approach, for ensuring a climate resilient production system, and a climate resilient ecosystem. He highlighted that the interactions between the system’s adaptation strategies and the mitigation potential should also be given due importance in the action plan for combating climate change.

Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel expressed her desire to see the farmers of Chandel as shining example of perseverance and sincerity in the present situation of changing weather pattern. She assured to provide all means and help possible to make the tribal farmers of the district achieve sustainability and profitability in their farming activities. She pointed out the need for integrated farming mode incorporating livestock enterprises to mitigate crop failure or low farm return in the district. Various resource persons deliberated on wide ranging and useful topics ranging from vermicomposting, beekeeping & improved composite fishery techniques to sustainable crop and goatery production.

Later, input materials in the form of piglets (cross-breed Hampshire), ducklings (White Pekin), feed, medicines, feed supplements, waterers, bee boxes and shade nets (75%) were distributed to the 36 farmers who participated in the said programme. The programme was also attended by Dr. Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Ts. Leenda Monsang SMS (Plant Breeding), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) & Super Kamei, STO (Farm Management).

Chandel, August 2, 2025: The 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana was celebrated today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel. This event marks a key achievement in the government’s commitment to support farmers. Local farmers enthusiastically participated in the program.

Smt. Promilata Monsang Wanglar, SDC/BO DC Chandel, was the Chief Guest, with Shri S.P. Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer, Chandel, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR – KVK Chandel, served as the functional president.

About 207 farmers from the area attended the event. They received agricultural inputs like micronutrient fertilizers and vegetable seeds to help with their farming. The ceremony included a live webcast on the 20th instalment of PM Kisan. After the program, a “Scientist & Farmers Interaction Programme” took place, allowing farmers to interact with experts and share their concerns.

The PM-KISAN scheme began in 2019 with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It offers direct financial aid of ₹6,000 per year to qualifying farmer families to support their agricultural costs. With this 20th installment, the total amount given through the scheme across the country will surpass ₹3.89 lakh crore.

The scheme has improved the lives of small and marginal farmers by providing essential financial support directly. This help decreases their dependence on informal credit sources and enables them to manage agricultural expenses better. It has also empowered women farmers, with over 2.26 crore women benefiting from the 20th installment.

The government’s strong support for the farming community is evident in the significant boost to the agriculture budget. This budget rose from ₹21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,202.29 crore in 2025-26, showing a 5.59-fold increase. Initiatives like the “Kisan e-Mitra” AI chatbot have also been launched to help farmers with their questions in 11 regional languages, breaking down technological and language barriers.

This event in Chandel highlights the broad impact of the PM-KISAN scheme and the government’s ongoing efforts to promote the prosperity and well-being of farmers across India.

Chandel, 06/06/2025:

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025, a landmark nationwide agricultural outreach campaign, was officially launched on May 29, 2025, by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This visionary initiative is a key component of the Government of India’s broader goal of achieving Developed India by 2047, with a special focus on transforming agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and farmer empowerment.

As part of this national mission, Chandel District in Manipur has taken proactive steps in implementing the campaign at the grassroots level. The district-level launch was spearheaded by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mohamad Firoz Khan, MCS in the presence of officials from ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandel and various district line departments. Since its commencement, the campaign in Chandel has successfully reached 72 villages, including tribal settlements in the neighboring Tengnoupal District, benefiting more than 2,690 farmers.Even with occasional challenges from heavy rain, the campaign teams have stayed committed and continued their efforts with great enthusiasm. The outreach activities have been led by experts from ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region – Manipur Centre, Central Agriculture University, Imphal and various District Line Departments.

The VKSA campaign in Chandel has been marked by a wide range of impactful activities aimed at educating and empowering farmers with up-to-date knowledge and practices. These include: Soil Health Campaigns to promote soil testing and nutrient management, Awareness on modern agricultural practices for Kharif crops, Soil and water conservation techniques for sustainable resource use, Promotion of climate-resilient technologies tailored to local agro-climatic conditions, Training on natural farming and organic inputs, Introduction to composite fish culture as an income-diversifying option, Off-season vegetable cultivation for enhanced food security and income, Vermicomposting methods for eco-friendly nutrient recycling, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for holistic and diversified farm management, Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) to improve efficiency and reduce costs, Animal feed and health management practices for livestock farmers, and Information campaigns on government schemes and agricultural support programs.

These activities have not only deepened the engagement of farming communities but also enhanced coordination among stakeholders, including academic institutions, government agencies, and grassroots organizations. The campaign has fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation, laying the foundation for long-term agricultural resilience in the district. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Chandel will continue until June 12, 2025.

Chandel, May 16, 2025: A three-day training program on Seed Production in Improved Rice Varieties was successfully conducted from May 14 to 16, 2025 at ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel. The program was organized under the Front Line Demonstration on Participatory Seed Production, with the goal of equipping farmers with essential knowledge and practices to produce high-quality seeds of improved rice varieties.

The technical session was conducted by Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), who provided detailed guidance on scientific methods of seed production, varietal selection, field preparation, and pest and disease management.

To support practical application, quality seeds and plant protection (PP) chemicals were distributed to 20 participating farmers. These inputs were provided as part of the frontline demonstration to encourage adoption and enhance productivity at the grassroots level.

The program was attended by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel, and Ps. Lavid Anal, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture). Both emphasized the importance of farmer-led seed production in strengthening local seed systems, increasing income, and improving food security.

A highlight of the event was a motivational session by Mrs. Ds. Toreiphun, a progressive farmer from the region, who shared her inspiring success story in seed production. She recounted her journey from conventional paddy cultivation to adopting improved seed production techniques with support from KVK Chandel. Her efforts not only enhanced her own farm yields but also enabled her to supply quality seeds to farmers, fostering a spirit of collaboration and self-reliance within the farming community. Her story served as a powerful encouragement for fellow participants, demonstrating the real-world benefits of scientific farming practices.

The training concluded on a positive note with active engagement from farmers and a renewed commitment to promoting participatory seed production for sustainable agriculture in Chandel district.

Chandel, 24/02/2024: Releasing of 19th instalment of PM-KISAN scheme webcast was conducted at ICAR – KVK Chandel today. The programme was attended by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, ICAR –KVK Chandel; Naorem Rabikumar Singh, AO, Horticulture Department, Chandel and Chandani Tarao, AO, Agriculture Department, Chandel as presidium members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during an event in Bhagalpur, Bihar and the programme was webcast all over India for the farmers.

Prior to the webcast, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi informed the farmers that PM-KISAN scheme was launched on February 24, 2019 and it aims to supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers by providing an annual benefit of ₹6,000, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. She expressed her hope that this financial assistance would significantly aid the farmers in meeting their essential needs and improving their livelihoods.”  While delivering the speech Chandani Tarao encouraged farmers to work hard, practice double cropping, and benefit from it. She also emphasized that eligibility for the PM-KISAN scheme requires all landholding farmer families to have cultivable land registered in their names, and that their documents must undergo a verification process. She also informed available schemes in the agriculture department where the farmers can apply. And Naorem Rabikumar Singh emphasized that millions have benefited from PM Kisan funds, utilizing them for agricultural inputs and household needs. He conveyed his satisfaction with the direct benefit transfers, which have effectively reduced leakages and ensured timely assistance, highlighting the scheme’s successful reach and positive impact on rural economies.

In coinciding with the event, an exhibition was also organised by the farmers displaying natural farming and organic farming products. The programme was attended by 94 farmers.