The ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal recently organized a Rabi Kisan Mela in the village of Karontha, located in the Rohtak district.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Satbir Singh Kadian, the Chief Executive Officer of the Haryana Water Resources Authority. Dr Kadian encouraged farmers to adopt smart farming practices, including the use of smart seeds and technologies, especially given the changing climate conditions.
He also urged young farmers to actively participate in agriculture, combining their education with traditional knowledge and modern agricultural techniques.
Dr Kadian emphasized the importance of diversifying agricultural activities by including vegetable cultivation alongside traditional crop production to meet the growing food demands. He stressed the significance of soil health cards as a means to preserve soil and water resources for future generations.
Additionally, he encouraged farmers in the region to focus on allied sectors such as horticulture, dairy farming, fishery, and natural farming to achieve better returns.
Dr Satbir Singh Kadian praised the CSSRI's efforts in promoting crop production through salt-tolerant varieties, soil salinity and drainage management, and agroforestry.
Dr R K Yadav, the Director of ICAR-CSSRI, commended the institute's initiatives in reclaiming salt-affected lands, which have resulted in substantial crop production, benefiting farmers economically.
He stressed the importance of soil and water conservation and the use of poor-quality water for crop production. He also highlighted the institute's technological innovations that help increase farmers' income.
During the Kisan Goshthi, scientists from the institute provided information on the latest salt-tolerant varieties of crops like wheat, mustard, chickpeas, and lentils, which have demonstrated enhanced production in salt-affected and waterlogged saline areas.
The Kisan Mela showcased various advanced technologies related to salinity reclamation and management, crop diversification, integrated farming, horticultural crops, and agroforestry.
Furthermore, the event recognized and felicitated ten innovative farmers who had successfully adopted CSSRI technologies in their villages.
In summary, the Rabi Kisan Mela organized by ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute aimed to promote sustainable and innovative farming practices, particularly in salt-affected areas, while recognizing the contributions of both experts and farmers to the agricultural sector.
