Khet bachavo Abhiyan Programme and Kisan Chaupal Organized at ICAR- Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, Lucknow

Khet bachavo Abhiyan and Kisan Chaupal was organized at the ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institu`te (ISRI), Lucknow on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The event was presided over by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development. Shri Surya Pratap Shahi Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research, Government of Uttar Pradesh was present as the guest of honor. In his address, Shri Surya Pratap Shahi urged farmers to increase their income by inter-cropping wheat, potatoes, and oilseeds with sugarcane. He noted that while we once relied on food imports, we are now exporting food grains to other countries and providing free food to 80 crore people. He highlighted that we previously imported edible oils worth ₹10–15 billion (1,000–1,500 crore) and pulses worth ₹350–400 billion (35,000–40,000 crore); today, we are producing 34–35 lakh metric tonnes of pulses. He also encouraged farmers to focus on enhancing soil fertility. In his presidential address, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized crop diversification and the adoption of natural farming practices, including the use of jeevamrit (organic liquid manure) and beejamrit (organic seed treatment). He cautioned that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is contaminating the soil and negatively impacting its health. He also urged farmers to apply fertilizers only based on the results of soil testing. He expressed concern over the declining population of earthworms and stressed on natural farming. In Kisan Chaupal he interacted with farmers on their farming experiences. Minister appreciated the research work being done by the institute for the welfare of the farmers.

In Kisan chaupal, farmers including Shri Hemant Nirala, Pradeep Dwivedi, Shivam Mishra, Ravindra Nath Verma, Shri Shiv Kumar and Smt. Sarita Devi shared their farming experiences with the Minister. Alongside the chaupal, advanced sugarcane cultivation techniques were also demonstrated, which were observed by a large number of farmers. Speaking at the event, Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, Lucknow, advised the farmers to increase their production and income by adopting new sugarcane varieties, utilizing advanced sugarcane machinery, improved production techniques and practicing intercropping. About 4,000 farmers and farm women from the districts of Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur, Jhansi, Barabanki, Kanpur Dehat, Raebareli, Unnao, and Lakhimpur kheri including 15 districts of U.P., Scientists, State Govt. officials participated in the event. During the programme, Dr S.N. Sushil, Director ICAR-ISRI, Lucknow, distributed wheat, mustard, gram and lentil seeds to 385 farmers of Jhansi, Hardoi and Lucknow districts of U.P. belonging to Scheduled Castes. Alonside the event, 30 exhibition stalls were set up by various ICAR institutes based in Lucknow, State Agricultural Department as well as by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and non-governmental organizations. The event was anchored by Dr. Anita Sawnani, Chief Technical Officer, ICAR-ISRI, Lucknow.