Washim farmers taught modern farming techniques under Kheti Bachao Abhiyan

Washim, October 24: The weather is changing continuously. In such conditions, adopting improved farming techniques is necessary to make agriculture more sustainable, higher-yielding and profitable. With this aim, the agriculture department and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) jointly held a guidance programme for farmers under the 'Kheti Bachao Abhiyan'.

The programme was held at the late Balasaheb Thackeray Farmer Training Centre on Kata Road in Washim. Experts spoke to farmers on various subjects related to farming. The emphasis was on adopting modern techniques, protecting soil health, raising the yield of oilseed crops and improving farm management to suit the changing weather.

Sub-divisional Agriculture Officer Santosh Walke spoke about advanced farming techniques, zero-tillage farming, Agri Stack and the Mahavistar campaign. He explained why it is important to use modern technology, improve farm management and take the benefits of digital facilities related to farming to farmers.

District Soil Survey Officer Anil Rathod spoke on the balanced use of fertiliser as per the soil health card. He said that to keep the land fertile, fertiliser should be applied on the basis of soil testing, and nutrients should be arranged according to the crop's needs.

District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Arif Shah spoke on improved techniques and crop management for raising oilseed yields. He also spoke about farming techniques suited to local conditions and climate change. He said that in a changing climate it is necessary to plan the right crop, use the available water economically, adopt improved crop management techniques and take steps to reduce farming risk. He also gave information on how to store soybean seed.

Project Director Anisa Mahable explained the objectives of the 'Kheti Bachao Abhiyan' and gave details of the activities under way under the campaign.

In the final session of the programme, in the presence of ATMA Deputy Project Director Ajay More, material was distributed and feedback was taken from farmers. The programme stressed giving farmers information on modern farming techniques, spreading improved farming methods and raising awareness of the agriculture department's various schemes. Through the joint efforts of the agriculture department and ATMA, several guidance programmes are being run to move farmers towards technology-based, profitable and sustainable farming.