Mizoram Governor Launches Save the Farm Campaign to Promote Agriculture

Aizawl, June 1: The Governor of Mizoram, V.K. Singh, inaugurated the nationwide ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ on Monday, a key initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The campaign aims to prevent soil erosion by promoting balanced fertilizer use based on soil testing and natural farming practices.

The initiative seeks to improve soil health by reducing the excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and encouraging sustainable farming.

Addressing a gathering at the Lok Bhavan in Aizawl, the Governor expressed concern over the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which adversely affects agricultural land and human health. He emphasized the urgent need to actively protect and conserve the state’s agricultural land.

Governor Singh highlighted the Prime Minister‘s National Mission on Natural Farming, stressing the importance of gradually shifting towards natural farming practices to safeguard both the environment and the quality of agricultural produce.

He underscored the crucial role of soil testing in identifying nutrient deficiencies to provide crops with the right amount of nutrition. The Governor called upon agricultural scientists and experts to fully support and guide farmers in this endeavor.

He stated that through the dedicated efforts of experts and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the state can achieve self-sufficiency in food production and ensure an increase in farmers’ incomes.

Governor Singh noted that Mizoram’s crops are unique due to the continuous shifting cultivation on hilly slopes, where maintaining nutrient balance is particularly challenging. He urged for ongoing training for farmers in modern scientific techniques, strengthening market relations for better crop sales, and placing greater emphasis on producing healthy, high-value organic crops.

Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, addressed the gathering, highlighting the need to reduce energy consumption in food production. He mentioned that the primary goal of the ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ is to raise awareness about the central government’s significant schemes and their effective implementation.

Dr. Mishra also emphasized the importance of soil health cards, farmer credit cards, farmer identification cards, and crop insurance.