Senapati: A District Kisan Mela/ Agriculture Fair 2026-27 on Natural Farming was organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in collaboration with District Administration, Senapati today at DRDA Hall, Senapati.
The Mela brought together farmers, district and sub-division-level officials, representatives from the Agriculture and Forest Departments, subject experts and other stakeholders to create awareness among farmers about natural farming practices, government schemes, subsidies and various support mechanisms available for promoting sustainable and cost-effective agriculture in the district.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati Dharun Kumar S, IAS, called upon farmers and stakeholders of the district to make effective use of the District Kisan Mela as a platform to learn about government schemes, subsidies and support mechanisms available for promoting natural and sustainable farming practices.
The DC highlighted the importance of the Mela in providing farmers an opportunity to interact with subject experts and officials of the District Agriculture Office on natural farming, improvement of soil health and ways to reduce dependence on external agricultural inputs.
He stated that natural farming has considerable potential across the district. He noted that several villages visited by him had already demonstrated the ability to successfully cultivate two to three types of vegetables and crops. He encouraged to explore and adopt such practices to promote sustainable agricultural production.
The DC also stressed the need for greater attention towards strengthening awareness, production and marketing of local farm produce so that farmers can derive better benefits from their agricultural activities.
He encouraged farmers and participants to actively engage with the District Agriculture Office during the Kisan Mela and share their suggestions and inputs on measures that could provide better support to villages and strengthen agricultural activities at the grassroots level.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Adahrii Maheo, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Senapati, highlighted the significant role of agriculture and allied activities in the socio-economic development of the district. He observed that around 50–60 per cent or more of the district’s population is engaged in farming and allied activities, making agricultural development vital to the overall development of Senapati.
The ADC highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in the hilly areas of the district, including weather-related uncertainties, difficult terrain, transportation bottlenecks and limited access to markets, which affect the agricultural productivity as well as farmers’ ability to transport and market their produce effectively.
Adahrii Maheo also highlighted that Senapati is endowed with rich biodiversity, traditional knowledge and considerable agricultural potential. These strengths, he said, should be harnessed through suitable and sustainable farming practices adapted to the local terrain and conditions.
The ADC emphasised that the District Kisan Mela provides a valuable platform for farmers, officials and experts to exchange ideas, experiences and possibilities relating to natural farming. He encouraged farmers to actively participate in such programmes, interact with subject experts and explore farming practices that can help improve soil health, reduce dependence on external inputs and make cultivation more sustainable and economical.
In the keynote address, L.S. Lavei James, District Agricultural Officer, Senapati described the event as an opportunity to showcase enthusiasm and dedication of the farmers on Natural Farming. He also encouraged the gathering to visit stalls and encourage the farmer from across the district.
A total of 14 stalls were set up from various farmers of various sub-divisions across the district, showcasing different agricultural produce and practices. Prizes and certificates were also distributed to outstanding farmers in recognition of their achievement and contributions to agriculture.
As part of the programme, David Longpani Tao, Village Extension Worker (VEW) briefed the gathering on various agricultural activities being undertaken under different government schemes and projects in the district.
In the later, the DC accompanied by ADC, Senapati, District Agriculture Officer, Senapati and other district officials inspected various stalls set up at the Kisan Mela and interacted with participating farmers.
The programme was attended by Shanngam S, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Senapati, Sub- Divisional Officers of Paomata, Purul, Tadubi and Willong, District Level Officers (DLOs), Officials and staff of the Agricultural department and farmers from across the district.
