ICAR Intensifies Awareness Campaign on Balanced Fertiliser Use

ICAR stated that the nationwide campaign seeks to encourage judicious fertiliser use while reducing excessive dependence on chemical inputs.

In line with the Government of India's vision of promoting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding long-term soil health, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has intensified its nationwide awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilisers through its extensive network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research institutes.

The large-scale initiative aims to educate farmers, students and agricultural stakeholders about:

• Soil test-based nutrient management

• Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

• Eco-friendly farming alternatives

• Scientific fertiliser use

• Sustainable agricultural practices

As part of the month-long campaign, numerous awareness programmes, training sessions and farmer-scientist interactions were conducted across multiple states during May 18–19, 2026.

Campaign Focused on Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture

ICAR stated that the nationwide campaign seeks to encourage judicious fertiliser use while reducing excessive dependence on chemical inputs.

Officials emphasized that balanced nutrient management is critical for:

• Maintaining soil fertility

• Improving crop productivity

• Reducing input costs

• Enhancing nutrient use efficiency

• Ensuring long-term food security

The campaign also promotes environmentally sustainable practices such as:

• Bio-fertilisers

• Vermicomposting

• Green manuring

• Farmyard manure (FYM)

• Livestock-based nutrient recycling

• Precision agriculture

These practices are particularly important ahead of the upcoming Kharif 2026 cropping season.

Punjab: School Students Educated on Soil Testing

In Punjab, KVK Fazilka at Abohar organised an awareness camp specifically for school students focusing on the importance of balanced fertiliser use and soil testing.

The programme carried the message:

"संतुलित उर्वरक अपनाएँ, मिट्टी की उर्वरा शक्ति बचाएँ।"

(Adopt balanced fertilisers, protect soil fertility.)

Officials said involving students is essential for building long-term awareness about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

West Bengal Conducts Multiple Awareness and Training Programmes

Several awareness programmes were conducted across West Bengal under the ICAR initiative.

Awareness Camps in Burdwan

KVK Burdwan organised awareness camps at:

• Bud Bud, Galsi-I on May 18

• Bhasapur, Galsi-II on May 19

The sessions focused on:

• Judicious fertiliser application

• Sustainable nutrient management practices

• Soil conservation

Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management Training

RAKVK Nimpith in South 24 Parganas conducted a specialised training programme on:

"Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management in Different Crops"

The training aimed to improve scientific nutrient application practices among farmers.

Kalimpong Programme Promotes Sustainable Fertiliser Practices

Kalimpong KVK organised an awareness programme at Sangsey village under Kalimpong Block-II, attended by:

• Panchayat representatives

• Local farmers

The programme stressed sustainable farming and balanced fertiliser usage.

Dakshin Dinajpur Training on Paddy Seed Treatment

DDKVK Dakshin Dinajpur conducted a training session on:

"Seed and Seedbed Treatment of Kharif Paddy"

at Batun village in Kumarganj.

A total of 31 farmers and farm women participated in the programme, where emphasis was placed on:

• Scientific seed treatment

• Healthy nursery management

• Sustainable crop productivity

Odisha Promotes Balanced Fertiliser Use

In Odisha, KVK Boudh organised an awareness campaign at Harbhanga Block in Boudh district on May 19, involving 30 participants.

The programme focused on:

• Balanced fertiliser application

• Soil nutrient management

• Sustainable farming practices

Officials highlighted the need for localized awareness programmes to improve nutrient efficiency among small and marginal farmers.

Madhya Pradesh Focuses on Green Manuring and Precision Agriculture

Multiple ICAR institutions conducted programmes across Madhya Pradesh.

Farmer–Scientist Interaction in Jabalpur

ICAR–Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur organised a farmer–scientist interaction and awareness programme at Raithra village in Patan block.

The event saw participation from:

• 34 farmers

• 22 male participants

• 12 female participants

The programme focused on:

• Balanced fertiliser use

• Soil fertility improvement

• Sustainable nutrient management

ICAR-IISS Campaign in Sehore

ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal conducted a campaign at Amla village in Sehore district on May 18.

The awareness programme promoted:

• Green manuring

• Bio-fertilisers

• Precision agriculture

• Sustainable Kharif farming practices

Soybean Fertiliser Awareness Under "Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav"

Under the "Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav" initiative, ICAR teams organised an awareness meeting on:

"Balanced Use of Fertilizers in Soybean"

at Mundana village in Dhar district.

The programme aimed to educate soybean farmers on scientific nutrient management techniques.

Rajasthan Promotes Organic and Natural Farming

In Rajasthan, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (IIRMR), Bharatpur organised a one-day Kisan Sangoshthi at Randhirpura village under the "Mera Gaon–Mera Gaurav" programme.

The event focused on:

• Balanced fertiliser use

• Soil health enhancement

• Green manuring

• Natural farming

• Organic agriculture

Officials emphasized the importance of integrating traditional sustainable farming methods with scientific nutrient management.

Telangana Awareness Programme Conducted in Mahboobnagar

ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad organised an awareness programme at Mammudugutta village in Mahboobnagar district on May 19.

A total of 19 farmers participated in the campaign, which promoted:

• Balanced fertiliser use

• Sustainable nutrient management

• Eco-friendly agricultural practices

Uttar Pradesh Conducts "Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav" Programme

In Uttar Pradesh, a "Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav" programme on balanced fertiliser use was organised at Devati village in Mohanlalganj block, Lucknow.

The campaign focused on improving awareness regarding:

• Scientific fertiliser application

• Soil testing

• Nutrient efficiency

• Sustainable agriculture

Uttarakhand Highlights Organic Fertiliser Use

ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research at Bhimtal, Nainital organised a field day programme in Pandechhore village.

The programme demonstrated the benefits of:

• Organic fertilisers

• Sustainable nutrient recycling

• Eco-friendly agriculture

Officials stressed that reducing chemical fertiliser dependency is important for preserving fragile hill ecosystems and maintaining long-term agricultural productivity.

Integrated Nutrient Management at Core of Campaign

Overall, the ICAR campaign strongly promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which combines:

• Chemical fertilisers

• Organic inputs

• Bio-fertilisers

• Green manuring

• Crop residue management

The approach aims to optimise soil fertility while reducing environmental degradation and excessive chemical usage.

ICAR Pushes Sustainable Agriculture for Kharif 2026

ICAR officials stated that the campaign is designed to prepare farmers for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season through greater awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.

The nationwide initiative seeks to ensure:

• Improved nutrient use efficiency

• Reduced cultivation costs

• Enhanced crop productivity

• Long-term soil conservation

• Climate-resilient agriculture

The coordinated efforts by ICAR institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras reflect the government's broader commitment toward promoting environmentally sustainable, economically viable and scientifically informed farming systems across India.