The ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (ICAR-MGIFRI), Motihari, Bihar under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) organized a farmer awareness and field interaction program under Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 at Kothia Hariram village in Mehsi Block of East Champaran on October 27, 2026. The program focused on promoting balanced fertilization, soil health management, nutrient recycling, crop diversification and sustainable management of mango and litchi orchards, with 29 farmers and participants attending.
Dr. Amol K. Jadhav, Scientist at ICAR-MGIFRI, led the program and emphasized soil-test-based nutrient management and balanced fertilization for maintaining orchard productivity and long-term soil fertility. He explained that indiscriminate fertilizer application increases cultivation costs and causes nutrient imbalances, while fertilizer use based on soil-test results, crop requirements and orchard conditions improves nutrient-use efficiency and supports sustainable production.
The program sensitized farmers to nutrient recycling and effective utilization of locally available organic resources including crop residues, fallen leaves, farmyard manure and compost. Dr. Jadhav explained that recycling these materials improves soil organic matter, supports better soil structure and nutrient availability, and reduces dependence on external inputs. He highlighted the importance of combining organic resources with balanced mineral fertilization for sustainable mango and litchi cultivation.
The program also highlighted the potential of intercropping and crop diversification in fruit orchards to improve land-use efficiency and create supplementary income opportunities. Farmers were encouraged to consider suitable intercrops, particularly legumes and other location-specific crops, according to orchard age, canopy coverage, seasonal moisture availability and crop compatibility. These practices help utilize available resources more efficiently while diversifying farm income.
Participating farmers shared their experiences and challenges concerning fertilizer application, orchard soil health, organic resource management and intercropping. The interactive discussions helped raise awareness of practical, economically viable and environmentally sustainable approaches to improving productivity and profitability of fruit-based farming systems.
Through Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026, ICAR-MGIFRI continues to promote balanced fertilization, soil health improvement, sustainable horticultural practices and efficient natural resource management through direct engagement between scientists and farming communities. The initiative reinforces efforts to strengthen farmers' self-reliance and promote climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods in the mango- and litchi-growing regions of East Champaran, Bihar.