CIFRI Awards
Debanandapur, Hooghly
Reaffirming the importance of healthy soils, clean water and sustainable rural livelihoods, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, organised a farmer awareness programme under KhetBachaoAbhiyan – Rabi 2026 through its MeraGaonMeraGaurav (MGMG) initiative at Debanandapur, Bandel, Hooghly district, West Bengal, on 2 November 2026. The programmes ensitised a total of 42 farmers and fishers (33 men and 9 women) on the adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, conservation of natural resources and their responsible management to promote ecological sustainability and strengthen rural livelihoods. The programme underscored that healthy soil is the foundation of productive agriculture, clean water, thriving aquatic ecosystems and resilient rural livelihoods. Farmers were sensitised to the importance of maintaining soil fertility, adopting soil-test-based nutrient management, judicious use of agricultural inputs and minimising environmental degradation. The discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of soil, water and fisheries resources and called for an integrated approach to natural resource conservation. Interacting with the farmers, the ICAR-CIFRI scientific team highlighted the objectives of KhetBachaoAbhiyanand discussed practical measures for improving soil health, reducing indiscriminate use of agrochemicals and promoting environmentally sustainable farming systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to protect soil and water resources, enhance resource-use efficiency and sustain agricultural productivity for future generations.
As part of the knowledge-dissemination initiative, informative pamphlets on soil health and its management were distributed among farmers in both English and Bengali. The bilingual materials were designed to enhance farmers' understanding of soil-related challenges and facilitate the adoption of appropriate, science-based management practices. The interactive sessions also provided an opportunity for farmers to share local concerns and seek scientific guidance on sustainable agricultural practices. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Vikash Kumar, Dr. Suvra Roy, Mr. Asim Kumar Jana, Ms. Ruby Das and research scholars, who facilitated the technical interactions and distribution of awareness materials. The programme reaffirmed ICAR-CIFRI's commitment to taking science to the grassroots and making environmental conservation a community-driven movement. Through the MGMG initiative and campaigns such as KhetBachaoAbhiyan, the Institute continues to strengthen farmer awareness, promote responsible soil and water resource management and advance climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable rural livelihoods.
