Imphal: Farmers in Manipur are gaining practical exposure and expert guidance under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). They are interacting with agricultural experts through extension services, training programmes, and digital platforms such as AI chatbots. Through these interactions, they are learning efficient water-use techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation. Moreover, they are seeking advice on soil health management using biochar and adopting emerging technologies like AI and IoT to improve productivity and efficiency.
Officials said agencies like ICAR and MNCFC are preparing to provide advanced technological support. At the same time, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are also working together to promote the mission of “more crop per drop.”
As part of the initiative, an exposure visit to Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Andro in Imphal East district, took place on December 29. The visit was organized under the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) for Kakching district farmers.
The programme offered farmers hands-on learning and technical knowledge about improved agricultural practices and allied activities. During the visit, they interacted closely with experts from KVK Andro. This engagement aimed to strengthen field-level implementation of ongoing schemes and encourage better adoption of technology.
Around 60 farmers from WDC-PMKSY 2.0 project villages participated in the programme. They came from Langmeidong, Elangkhangpokpi, Waikhong Laimanai, Tangjeng, Serou, and Wangoo in Kakching district.
The watershed projects aim to enhance the productive potential of rainfed and degraded land through integrated watershed management. They also seek to empower community-based institutions to improve livelihoods and ensure long-term watershed sustainability. Additionally, the projects encourage cross-learning and performance-based incentives to improve overall implementation.