ICAR-CIRCOT Organises Sarpanch Meeting under Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Daund Tehsil, Pune

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan initiated by the Government of India, the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, organized a sensitization meeting for Sarpanches and progressive farmers of Daund Tehsil on 20 June 2026 at Gholewadi, Patas, Pune. The programme aimed to create awareness about sustainable agricultural practices, soil health management, and government initiatives for farmers.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. A. K. Bharimalla, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIRCOT, highlighted the importance of periodic soil testing and the effective utilization of the Soil Health Card for improving farm productivity. He emphasized the adoption of organic and natural farming practices and encouraged farmers to convert on-farm waste into valuable resources through sustainable waste management approaches. He also informed the participants about various financial assistance schemes offered by the Central Government for establishing supplementary farm-based enterprises to enhance farmers’ income.

Shri Amol Andhale, Crop Manager, UPL, delivered a lecture on pest management in sugarcane and stressed the need for collective efforts among farming communities to promote balanced nutrient management and sustainable farming systems across the region. Mr. Vaijay Sangale demonstrated an AI-enabled soil testing kit and explained its potential for rapid and accurate soil analysis. Shri Sandip Ghole, Founder of M/s Sandip Pyaj, a promising start-up, highlighted the importance of conserving soil health for sustainable agricultural development.

The programme was followed by the live telecast of the online release of the 23rd instalment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Scheme. Approximately 100 farmers from Gholewadi and the neighbouring villages of Kangaon, Patas, Sangvi, Sonwadi, Lingali, Gar, and Shrigonda participated in the event.