Farmers in Pakhura village of Almora’s Hawalbag block were advised to use fertilisers according to soil-test results during an agricultural awareness programme. The initiative focused on reducing unnecessary cultivation expenses while protecting the fertility needed for continued farming.

The programme was organised by the Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan under its ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’. A total of 27 farmers attended, including 20 women and 7 men.

Advice on soil-based fertiliser use

Farmers were told that soil testing can help identify the nutrients required by a crop. Applying fertiliser according to those needs can support better production, reduce the use of chemical fertilisers that are not required and help maintain the soil’s productive capacity.

Dr J.P. Aditya said that preserving soil fertility is essential for continuing agriculture over the long term. He advised farmers to use nutrients in line with the requirements of their crops rather than applying them unnecessarily.

The guidance linked soil health with both farm sustainability and household costs. By using fertiliser more selectively, farmers can avoid spending on inputs that their crops or fields may not need.

Farmers raise irrigation and wildlife concerns

During the programme, farmers also discussed practical difficulties affecting cultivation. They highlighted a shortage of irrigation, crop damage caused by wild animals, limited awareness about soil testing and delays in receiving agricultural resources.

The participants also raised the issue of migration. These concerns showed that soil management is only one of the challenges facing farming communities in the area, alongside water availability, crop protection and access to timely resources.

Street play explains balanced fertiliser use

Students participating in Rural Agricultural Work Experience, or RAWWE, used a street play to explain soil testing and the importance of balanced fertiliser application.

The students conveyed that applying fertiliser according to a crop’s needs can help farmers achieve better production. The activity presented the advice in a practical format for the participating villagers.

The programme therefore combined technical guidance with discussion of the problems farmers face in their daily work. Its central message was that soil testing should guide nutrient use, while farming support must also address irrigation shortages, wildlife damage and delayed access to agricultural resources.

Conclusion

The Hawalbag programme informed 27 farmers that soil-based fertiliser use can reduce unnecessary input costs and support soil fertility, while also recording wider concerns about irrigation, wildlife, resources and migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where was the farmer awareness programme held?

It was held in Pakhura village of Almora’s Hawalbag block.

Q. How many farmers attended the programme?

A total of 27 farmers participated, including 20 women and 7 men.

Q. Which organisation conducted the programme?

The Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan organised it under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.

Q. What was the main advice given to farmers?

Farmers were advised to use fertilisers and nutrients according to soil-test results and crop requirements.

Q. How can soil testing help farmers?

It can help reduce unnecessary fertiliser use, lower cultivation costs and maintain soil fertility.

Q. What problems did farmers raise?

They mentioned inadequate irrigation, crop damage by wild animals, limited awareness about soil testing and the delayed availability of agricultural resources.

Q. Was migration discussed during the programme?

Yes. Farmers also raised migration as one of the issues affecting their community.

Q. How did RAWWE students support the programme?

They performed a street play explaining soil testing and the importance of balanced fertiliser use.