SHILLONG: A large portion of land in the northeastern region remains fallow after rice cultivation and there is scope for improving soil fertility by cultivation of pulses like peas, lentils under no-till condition, scientists said at a programme here on Friday.
The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, organised a field day for farmers on ‘No-till organic pulse production in rice fallow for improving soil health and cropping intensity’ on Friday at Mynsain village in Ri Bhoi.
Scientists explained that pulses are rich source of protein and can be easily grown after harvesting rice without any irrigation. Pulses improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and hence farmers of the region need to grow lentil and pea after rice, especially under organic farming.
No-till farming is a way of growing crops or pasture from year to year without disturbing the land that is under cultivation.
