Khet Bachao Campaign Conducted in H.D. Kote; Farmers Educated on Soil Health and Maize Downy Mildew Management

H.D. Kote, June 16, 2026: The Department of Agriculture, ATMA Yojana, ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, and ATMA Mysuru jointly organized a Khet Bachao Campaign at Hampapur village in H.D. Kote taluk to create awareness among farmers on soil health management and crop disease control.

During the programme, KVK scientists and Agriculture Department officials educated farmers on the importance of soil testing, soil health management, green manure cultivation, organic farming, and natural farming practices in agriculture and horticulture crops. Based on soil test results, farmers were advised on scientific nutrient management practices. The importance of green manure crops and organic farming in improving soil fertility and sustaining crop productivity was also highlighted.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. B.N. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS KVK, Suttur, explained sustainable soil health management practices and natural farming methods such as Jeevamrutha, Gokripamrutha, and Bijamrutha. He emphasized their role in enhancing soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical inputs.

Shri Prasad, Assistant Director of Agriculture, H.D. Kote, stressed the importance of conserving soil resources to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. KVK subject matter specialists Shri Shamraj, Dr. Vinay G.M., and Dr. Rakshitraj, along with ATMA Sub-Project Director Satish and Agriculture Officer Siddappaswamy, provided guidance on maintaining soil health and adopting scientific crop management practices.

As part of the campaign, a field visit was conducted to maize fields in Hampapur village affected by Downy Mildew disease (Kedige disease). Scientists and Agriculture Department officials explained the symptoms, mode of spread, and integrated disease management measures directly in the field and provided appropriate recommendations to farmers.

The programme witnessed active participation from Agriculture Department officials, ATMA staff, farmers, and women farmers, who interacted with experts and clarified their queries related to crop and soil management. The campaign concluded with an appeal to farmers to maintain soil health, adopt natural farming practices, and implement integrated crop disease management measures for sustainable agriculture.

More than 150 farmers including both men and women farmers participated in the programme.