ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), in convergence with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu and the State Department of Horticulture, Government of Tamil Nadu, launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan Rabi Campaign at Pammadhukulam village in Villivakkam Block of Tiruvallur district on 22 October 2026. A total of 69 farmers, including four women farmers, participated in the campaign. The campaign aimed to create awareness among farmers about sustainable soil health management practices, improved nutrient management and relevant agricultural technologies to enhance soil fertility and farm productivity.
During the event Dr. C. V. Sairam, Principal Scientist, CIBA welcomed the gathering and outlined the aims and specific objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan Rabi Campaign 2026. Dr. D. Deboral Vimala, Principal Scientist, CIBA highlighted the importance of maintaining soil health in sustaining the productivity.
Dr. R. Saraswathy, Principal Scientist, CIBA elaborated on various soil health management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, organic manures and green leaf manure to maintain soil fertility and enhance agricultural productivity. She also highlighted ICAR-CIBA technologies, Plankton Plus and Horti plus, for soil health management. She stressed the need to provide farmers with adequate training on the latest technologies and practices for sustainable soil health management.
Dr. Sudasha, Subject Matter Specialist (Pathology), KVK, Tiruvallur, explained the role of biofertilizers in improving soil fertility. She also highlighted mushroom cultivation as a promising livelihood augmentation activity, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Dr. Punitha, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), KVK Tiruvallur, briefed the participants on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), with particular emphasis on its application in horticultural crops.
