On June 16, 2026, a sensitization and farmer awareness training programme was conducted under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” initiative at Chandaka village, located in the Bhubaneswar block of Khurda district. The event targeted a group of 23 progressive farmers, aiming to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices ahead of a projected below-normal rainfall forecast for the current cropping season. During the session, ICAR-IIWM scientists engaged directly with the participants, offering practical guidance on efficient crop and water management strategies tailored for moisture-stress conditions. The core focus areas of the training included: improving soil quality and lowering reliance on chemical inputs by promoting the balanced use of fertilizers, green manuring, and vermi compost; advising farmers to transition to short-duration paddy varieties and low-duty crops that naturally demand less water; and emphasizing rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation methods, and in-situ moisture conservation techniques to maximize water use efficiency and secure sustainable crop yields throughout the season.
