ICAR-CIRCOT Organizes Khet Bachao Abhiyan in 30 Villages of Ambegaon and Junnar Tehsils, Pune

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare from June 1–30, 2026, a team from ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, conducted an extensive farmer outreach programme in the Ambegaon and Junnar tehsils of Pune district during June 8–12, 2026.

The campaign covered 30 villages, including 15 villages in Ambegaon tehsil—Amondi, Koldare-Gonvadi, Gohe Budruk, Mhalunge, Dimbe Khurd, Taleghar, Rajpur, Nigdale, Phulwadi, Mayambawadi, Shinoli, Gangapur, Pimpalgaon (Ghode), Shindewadi, and adjoining villages. Similar activities were carried out in 15 villages of Junnar tehsil, including Golegaon, Aladare, Agar, Pimpalgaon Siddhanath, Kusur, Wadaj, Chincholi, Parunde, Vaishnavdham, and nearby villages.

Farmer meetings were organized at convenient community locations such as Gram Panchayat offices, temples, weekly bazaars and farms. The programme was conducted through lectures, demonstrations, interactive discussions, and direct farmer interactions both in Marathi and Hindi. Approximately 1,000 farmers, villagers and other stakeholders participated in the campaign.

The awareness programme focused on key aspects of sustainable agriculture, including soil testing and soil health management, judicious use of chemical fertilizers, scientific and natural farming practices, preparation and application of Beejamrut and Jeevamrut, utilization of cow dung-based organic manure, and the importance of Soil Health Cards for enhancing farm productivity and profitability. The campaign also provided a valuable platform for farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and concerns related to the adoption of natural farming practices. Experts addressed their queries and offered technical guidance through interactive sessions.

The outreach initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from the farming community and significantly contributed to enhancing awareness on sustainable agriculture, soil health management, and natural farming practices in the region. The ICAR-CIRCOT team comprised Dr. A. K. Bharimala, Dr. Kanika Sharma, Shri Sharad Kokane, and Ms. Prachi Mhatre. The programme was supported by Forecast Agrotech Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Pune, and Decent Foundation, Pune.