A farmers’ sensitization and awareness training programme under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” was organized on 17 June 2026 at Dalua village of Bhubaneswar Block in Khurda district. The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness among farmers on climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices in view of the forecast of below-normal rainfall during the ongoing cropping season. A total of 27 progressive farmers actively participated in the event. The scientists from the ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar interacted extensively with the participants and shared practical recommendations on effective crop planning and scientific water management practices to cope with possible moisture stress conditions. The training programme emphasized the judicious and balanced application of fertilizers, along with the promotion of green manuring and vermicomposting to improve soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Farmers were encouraged to cultivate short-duration paddy varieties and low water-requiring crops as adaptive measures for a potentially dry season. Special attention was given to water conservation and efficient utilization practices, including rainwater harvesting, scientific irrigation scheduling, and in-situ soil moisture conservation techniques. These interventions were highlighted as essential strategies for enhancing water-use efficiency, improving crop resilience, and sustaining agricultural productivity under anticipated rainfall-deficit conditions.
