Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizer

17.04.2026

Awareness Programme on Judicious Use of Fertilizer and Other Inputs

ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, organized an awareness programme on judicious use of fertilizer and other inputs at Majhihara Village, Balipatna, Khordha on 17 April 2026 under Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers. Around 60 farmers participated in the programme of which 43 were women farmers. The programme aimed to promote balanced and efficient use of fertilizers through practices such as soil testing, appropriate dosage, and Integrated Nutrient Management, while also emphasizing the need to minimize excessive dependence on chemical inputs. Participants were sensitized on the proper use of seeds, pesticides, and water to enhance productivity and reduce input costs. A special focus was given to vermicomposting as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative, highlighting its role in improving soil fertility, enhancing microbial activity, and maintaining long-term soil health. The session included practical insights on the preparation and use of vermicompost using locally available resources and also aquatic weeds like water hyacinth.

The campaign contributed to strengthening farmers’ understanding of balanced fertilization and soil test–based nutrient management, and motivated them to integrate organic inputs, biofertilizers, green manuring, Customized Leaf Colour Charts, biomass recycling practices as part of a holistic and environmentally responsible approach for sustainable agri-food systems

10.04.2026

One day Training cum Awareness Programme on Balanced use of Fertilizer at Haladiapada and Gopiballavpur villages, Block – Kanasa of Puri district, Odisha

A sensitization and awareness campaign on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers: A Key Enabler of Sustainable Farming Aligning Productivity, Soil Health, and Environmental Responsibility” was organized on 10 April 2026 in Ghusuradunguri Village of Bargaon Block, Balangir District, as part of the Nationwide Campaign launched by ICAR, New Delhi. The programme aimed to sensitize farmers and farmwomen on the importance of balanced and judicious fertilizer use for sustaining agricultural productivity while safeguarding soil health and environmental integrity. During the interaction, special emphasis was placed on soil testing as a scientific foundation for balanced nutrient management, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertilizer application based on soil nutrient status. Farmers were also sensitized to the two key focus areas of the campaign, namely the use of organic nutrient sources and biofertilizers for improving soil fertility, and the integration of green manuring and biomass recycling as sustainable practices for maintaining long-term soil productivity and ecological balance in farming systems. The awareness session was conducted in a participatory and interactive manner, encouraging farmers to share their field-level experiences, indigenous practices, and concerns related to soil fertility, crop nutrition, and farm productivity. These issues were discussed and addressed through knowledge exchange and dialogue on sustainable nutrient management approaches suitable for local farming conditions. A total of 16 farmers, including men and women, actively participated in the programme and expressed satisfaction with their experiences in adopting Natural Farming practices, particularly with regard to improvements in soil condition, input sustainability, and resilience of their farming systems.

The campaign contributed to strengthening farmers’ understanding of balanced fertilization and soil test–based nutrient management, and motivated them to integrate organic inputs, biofertilizers, green manuring, Customized Leaf Colour Charts, biomass recycling practices as part of a holistic and environmentally responsible approach for sustainable agri-food systems

Training-cum-Awareness Programme on Balanced use of Fertilizer

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture organized one day Training cum Awareness Programme on Balanced use of Fertilizer at Haladiapada and Gopiballavpur villages, Block – Kanasa of Puri district on 10 April 2026. During the programme. The importance of balance use of fertilizer was explained to all the stakeholders. The use of bio-fertilizer, vermicompost, organic farming practices and its benefits were also explained to them. Awareness was also created for importance of soil testing and procedures to be followed for soil testing. A total of 40 stakeholders including 31 women farmers and 9 farmers were actively participated in the programme.