SHG/FPO interface held under Khet Bachao Abhiyan
Bhubaneswar, June 5, 2026:
Under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme, the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) organized a one-day awareness programme on “Use of Biofertilizers and Azolla for Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Usage in Vegetable and Crop Production” today. The programme was aimed at creating awareness among women farmers from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities of Khordha District regarding biofertilizers and sustainable agricultural practices. Around 80 participants, including 40 members each from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), attended the programme. These stakeholders are important for taking the message of Khet bachao abhiyan among other farmers and farm women. Welcoming the participants, Dr. H. K. De, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIFA, stressed that achieving success in the movement requires the active and large-scale participation of farmers and other stakeholders.
Dr. J K Sundaray, Director (I/C), ICAR-CIFA, graced the occasion and emphasized the need for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture through the adoption of biofertilizers and natural farming techniques. The technical sessions featured expert lectures by Dr. Parshuram Samal, Retired Principal Scientist, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, who spoke on the role of biofertilizers in soil health management; Sri Surendra Singh, Retired SMS, KVK Khordha, who delivered a special lecture on climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices for women farmers; and Dr. S. N. Sethi, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA, who discussed the principles and benefits of natural farming. Dr Harapriya Nayak, Senior Scientist and Head , KVK also addressed the gathering and encouraged them to adopt bio-fertilizers.
The participants also visited the live demonstration units on vermi-compost, azolla production unit , organic fish production unit and interacted with the experts in the afternoon. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. K. C. Das, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA. Participants appreciated the initiative and expressed keen interest in adopting biofertilizers and Azolla-based farming practices for sustainable agricultural production.