CHANDEL, Dec 5: Emphasizing the critical role of soil in both rural agriculture and urban resilience, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, observed World Soil Day today at its Conference Hall under the global theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.”

The observance brought together agricultural experts, district officials, and local farmers to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), highlighted the indispensable nature of soil, noting that over 95 percent of human food originates from it. “Soil supplies 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants,” he stated.

Dr. Singh drew particular attention to this year’s theme, which shifts the focus from traditional rural landscapes to urban environments. He mooted that while soil is often associated with the countryside, urban soil is equally fundamental.

“Beneath asphalt, buildings, and streets lies soil that, if permeable and vegetated, helps absorb rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon, and improve air quality,” Dr. Singh explained. He warned that sealing soil with cement strips it of these functions, rendering cities vulnerable to flooding, overheating, and pollution. He urged policymakers and citizens alike to “rethink urban spaces from the ground up.”

The Guest of Honour, Shri Khagokpam Sundeep, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Chandel, described soil as an “inseparable entity” for the planet and a primary means of livelihood. Expressing concern over urbanization-induced degradation, he noted that deforestation has hastened the leaching of organic carbon, ultimately reducing fertility. He strongly encouraged the farming community to adopt organic farming practices to ensure sustainability.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Sp. Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chandel, stressed the need to conserve fertility through tree plantation, noting that canopy cover naturally mitigates erosion.

Shri Lovejoy also highlighted the administrative importance of soil maintenance, informing the gathering that Soil Health Cards have become mandatory for availing benefits under various government schemes. He urged farmers to prioritize soil testing to secure these cards.

Dr. Asem Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel, connected agricultural health to public health. “Healthy soils will not only lead to healthy cities but also to healthy citizens,” she remarked, adding that the right balance of macro and micro-nutrients is essential for increasing farm income and providing nutritious food.

The program was attended by officials including Shri Soraisam Suraj (AO, Dept. of Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Dr. Kl. Levish (SMS, Agronomy), Smt. Ts. Leenda Monsang (SMS, Plant Breeding), Smt. Ps. Lavid Anal (Horticulture), and Smt. Lungni Anal (SRF, NICRA Project).

The event concluded with the distribution of Soil Health Cards and vegetable seeds—including onion, coriander, and palak—to the 48 farmers participating in the programme.

Chandel, 26/11/2025: 

Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas, was formally observed at the ICAR - Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, on November 26^th. This annual commemoration marks the day the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution in 1949. The primary objective of the observance was not merely to fulfill a mandate but to deeply sensitize all staff members about the foundational framework, philosophy, and enduring spirit of the Constitution. Specifically for KVK Chandel, the goal was to integrate these high constitutional principles—especially those relating to justice, equality, and dignity—into the daily functioning of agricultural extension, research, and outreach activities, ensuring service delivery remains equitable and inclusive for the farming community. The entire event saw enthusiastic and active participation from all personnel.

The central and most impactful segment of the day was the detailed address delivered by the Senior Scientist & Head, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi. Dr. Devi used her insightful presentation to emphasize the Constitution’s pivotal significance in national life and its role as the backbone of democratic governance. She meticulously focused on how these national ideals translate into practical ethics for an agricultural institution like KVK.

Her address highlighted three crucial pillars:

Constitutional Rights and Values: Dr. Devi provided an explanation of fundamental rights, illustrating their importance in ensuring every citizen, particularly vulnerable farmers, receives liberty and justice. She underscored the core values of secularism and social justice, urging staff to adopt a non-discriminatory approach in all extension work and beneficiary selection.

Fundamental Duties: A key emphasis was placed on the Fundamental Duties, stressing the necessary balance between claiming rights and fulfilling responsibilities. For the KVK staff, this was interpreted as a duty to promote harmony, protect public property (including institutional resources), and strive for excellence in the sphere of scientific and developmental outreach.

Democratic Principles: The discussion reinforced core democratic principles—liberty, equality, and fraternity. Dr. Devi stressed that true institutional functioning requires a participatory, transparent, and democratic decision-making process, ensuring every staff member's voice is heard and that all stakeholders are treated with fairness.

Following the profound address, a formal pledge ceremony was conducted. Led by the Senior Scientist & Head, all staff members stood in solemn reaffirmation of their commitment. They collectively pledged to uphold the constitutional values, preserve the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, and dedicate themselves to the service of the country. This act was a powerful, collective affirmation, serving as a solemn reminder of the commitment required to internalize and maintain the spirit of the Constitution in their professional and personal lives.

The Constitution Day observance at ICAR - KVK Chandel was highly effective in achieving its objective of deepening constitutional literacy and instilling a heightened sense of institutional and national duty among the staff. The event concluded with a palpable and renewed commitment from all participants to not only abide by the democratic principles but also to actively reflect these values in their work, thereby strengthening the democratic foundation of the institution's engagement with the community. This annual observance reinforces the KVK's dedication to its mandate within the framework of the Republic.

Chandel, 19/11/2025:

Releasing of 21st instalment of PM-KISAN scheme webcast was conducted at ICAR – KVK Chandel today. The programme was attended by Ts Leenda Monsang, Head i/c and SMS (Plant Breeding) ICAR – KVK Chandel, Sp. Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer, Chandel and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) as  presidium members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st installment of the PM-KISAN scheme from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, disbursing over ₹18,000 crore to more than 9 crore farmers across India and the programme was webcast all over India for the farmers.

Prior to the webcast, Ts. Leenda Monsang informed the farmers that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central government scheme that provides 6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmers in three equal instalments. The amount is directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts to support their agricultural and household needs. Launched in 2019, the scheme has benefited over 11 crore farmers across India through a transparent digital platform. She expressed her hope that this financial assistance would significantly aid the farmers in meeting their essential needs and improving their livelihoods.  While delivering the speech, Sp Lovejoy Anal encouraged farmers to benefit from the funds received for farming purposes that may generate a double income. He also informed farmers about the available schemes in the agriculture department and asked them to approach the department to apply for these schemes. And Ps. Lavid Anal informed the farmers about natural farming, which is a sustainable agricultural method that avoids synthetic chemicals and relies on natural inputs, such as cow dung, compost, and bio-enzymes, to enrich the soil. It promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces the cost of cultivation, making it ideal for small and marginal farmers. She said that by adopting natural farming, we protect our environment, ensure healthier food, and support long-term food security.

The release of the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme webcast was attended by 219 farmers and staff of the Agriculture department and KVK Chandel.

Chandel, 13/08/2025: A capacity building-cum-input distribution programme entitled “Empowerment of Tribal Farmers under NICRA Project” was organised today at the Community Hall of Chandel Christian Village, Chandel under the “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)” Project, KVK Chandel.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Hb. Lungni Anal, SRF (NICRA Project). During the programme, Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), the Nodal Officer, NICRA Project, Chandel in his keynote address stressed the need and importance of empowering the tribal farmers of the aspirational district of Chandel by working on enhancing resilience of the local agriculture practices to climate change and climate vulnerability though strategic research, development, demonstration and application of improved production and risk management technologies. He stated that in the recent times, rainfall variability has become the norm in the state which is characterised by the unevenness in the time and amount of rainfall. With increasing variability, precipitation is more unevenly distributed over time resulting in wetter wet periods and drier dry periods. Some locations may receive a year’s amount of rainfall in just a few days’ time, have elongated dry spells followed by intense downpour thus alternating between drought-like situations and flood. Climate change is a reality and an increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases has been observed in the district. The district is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields. As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Chandel. He urged that location-specific climate smart technology baskets need to be devised or introduced and should be demonstrated through participatory approach, for ensuring a climate resilient production system, and a climate resilient ecosystem. He highlighted that the interactions between the system’s adaptation strategies and the mitigation potential should also be given due importance in the action plan for combating climate change.

Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel expressed her desire to see the farmers of Chandel as shining example of perseverance and sincerity in the present situation of changing weather pattern. She assured to provide all means and help possible to make the tribal farmers of the district achieve sustainability and profitability in their farming activities. She pointed out the need for integrated farming mode incorporating livestock enterprises to mitigate crop failure or low farm return in the district. Various resource persons deliberated on wide ranging and useful topics ranging from vermicomposting, beekeeping & improved composite fishery techniques to sustainable crop and goatery production.

Later, input materials in the form of piglets (cross-breed Hampshire), ducklings (White Pekin), feed, medicines, feed supplements, waterers, bee boxes and shade nets (75%) were distributed to the 36 farmers who participated in the said programme. The programme was also attended by Dr. Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Ts. Leenda Monsang SMS (Plant Breeding), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) & Super Kamei, STO (Farm Management).

Chandel, 24^th February, 2025: Releasing of 19th instalment of PM-KISAN scheme webcast was conducted at ICAR – KVK Chandel today. The programme was attended by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, ICAR –KVK Chandel; Naorem Rabikumar Singh, AO, Horticulture Department, Chandel and Chandani Tarao, AO, Agriculture Department, Chandel as presidium members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during an event in Bhagalpur, Bihar and the programme was webcast all over India for the farmers.

Prior to the webcast, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi informed the farmers that PM-KISAN scheme was launched on February 24, 2019 and it aims to supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers by providing an annual benefit of ₹6,000, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. She expressed her hope that this financial assistance would significantly aid the farmers in meeting their essential needs and improving their livelihoods."  While delivering the speech Chandani Tarao encouraged farmers to work hard, practice double cropping, and benefit from it. She also emphasized that eligibility for the PM-KISAN scheme requires all landholding farmer families to have cultivable land registered in their names, and that their documents must undergo a verification process. She also informed available schemes in the agriculture department where the farmers can apply. And Naorem Rabikumar Singh emphasized that millions have benefited from PM Kisan funds, utilizing them for agricultural inputs and household needs. He conveyed his satisfaction with the direct benefit transfers, which have effectively reduced leakages and ensured timely assistance, highlighting the scheme's successful reach and positive impact on rural economies.

In coinciding with the event, an exhibition was also organised by the farmers displaying natural farming and organic farming products. The programme was attended by 94 farmers.

Chandel, 20/2/2025: The three days training on “Enhancing Agroforestry System through Efficient Tree Seed Propagation Techniques ” under AICRP on Seed (Crops) project at Kanemram Village was concluded on 20/02/2025. The training was organised by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Manipur Centre in collaboration with ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandel. The purpose of the training was to train farmers on effective seed propagation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices for economically valuable tree species of Manipur. The training programme was conducted under the course Coordinators of  Dr. K. Sarika, Scientist (Genetics and Plant Breeding) and Dr. L Chanu Langlentombi, Scientist (Agroforestry) of  ICAR Manipur Centre. The valedictory programme was attended by Dr Ch. Basudha Devi, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR-Manipur Centre;  Dr. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist and Head, KVK Chandel ; Sanyao Piyao, Chief of Kanemram village and Maku Paiso, Secretary Kanemram village as the presidium members.

Dr. Basudha in her speech highlighted the crucial role of tree plantation in enhancing both public health and farmer income. She also emphasized the nutritional value of fruit-bearing trees, advocating for their inclusion in local diets. She informed the farmers that promotion of Agroforestry practices will purify air, prevent erosion, and combat climate change.

The resource persons for the three days training programmes were Dr. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist and Head, ICAR - KVK Chandel; Dr. L Chanu Langlentombi, Scientist (Agroforestry) ICAR Manipur Centre, Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding), Dr. Kl. Levish, SMS (Agronomy); Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engg.) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) of ICAR – KVK Chandel. During the valedictory programme certificates and inputs were distributed to the 32 participants.

Chandel, August 2, 2025: The 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana was celebrated today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel. This event marks a key achievement in the government's commitment to support farmers. Local farmers enthusiastically participated in the program. 

Smt. Promilata Monsang Wanglar, SDC/BO DC Chandel, was the Chief Guest, with Shri S.P. Lovejoy Anal, District Agriculture Officer, Chandel, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR - KVK Chandel, served as the functional president. 

About 107 farmers from the area attended the event. They received agricultural inputs like micronutrient fertilizers and vegetable seeds to help with their farming. The ceremony included a live webcast on the 20th instalment of PM Kisan. After the program, a “Scientist & Farmers Interaction Programme” took place, allowing farmers to interact with experts and share their concerns.