ICAR-ATARI Kolkata Reviews Feedback and Calls for Intensified Field-Level Action to Convert Awareness into Adoption under Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan

27 June 2026, Kolkata

Recognizing the need to transform farmer awareness into tangible on-farm outcomes, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata convened a virtual review meeting to assess farmer feedback received under the ongoing Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan across Zone-V and chart the strategic course for the campaign's final phase.

Analysis of feedback from participating farmers revealed significant gains in awareness regarding soil health management, balanced fertilization, and sustainable agricultural practices. A large majority of respondents reported improved understanding of soil fertility management, enhanced access to scientific information, and stronger engagement with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR Institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ATMA, and State Agriculture Department officials.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, observed that the findings not only reaffirm the success of the campaign in broadening outreach and strengthening the agricultural extension ecosystem, but also underscore a critical challenge in the technology dissemination continuum converting awareness into sustained field-level adoption.

While farmers demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding the promoted interventions, the feedback revealed comparatively lower adoption of key climate-resilient agricultural practices, Soil Health Card-based recommendations, and systematic farm record-keeping. These gaps highlight the need for targeted follow-up support, capacity building, and localized handholding mechanisms to facilitate behavioural change and enhance the effective uptake of recommended technologies and practices.

In response, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata has directed all KVKs in Zone-V to utilize the remaining phase of the campaign for intensive field-level handholding, demonstration-based learning, and targeted advisory support. Particular emphasis will be placed on enabling farmers to effectively interpret Soil Health Card recommendations, adopt climate-resilient technologies, practice balanced nutrient management based on soil testing, and maintain basic farm records for informed farm decision-making.

Describing the campaign as a significant extension initiative for advancing sustainable soil and nutrient management, ATARI Kolkata emphasized that the final phase of the Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan will focus on achieving measurable behavioural change and technology adoption. The initiative aims to ensure long-term improvements in soil health, climate resilience, resource-use efficiency, and farm incomes across eastern India.

Key Recommendations Issued to KVKs

•    Shift extension efforts from awareness generation to adoption-driven interventions.
•    Promote Soil Health Card-based fertilizer recommendations through practical demonstrations.
•    Strengthen village-level climate-resilient agriculture interventions.
•    Promote Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), bio-fertilizers, green manuring, and organic inputs.
•    Train farmers on simple farm record-keeping and decision-support practices.

These recommendations align with ICAR-ATARI Kolkata’s commitment to outcome-oriented extension, measurable technology adoption, and sustainable agricultural development, ensuring that awareness generated through the campaign translates into lasting improvements in farmers’ livelihoods and resilience.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)