Key Highlights of the Campaign:
- Awareness camps held in Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Farmers trained on soil testing and balanced fertiliser application.
- Special sessions conducted on Kharif paddy seed treatment and nursery management.
- Farmer-scientist meetings organised to discuss sustainable farming practices.
- Programmes also focused on green manuring, organic farming, and precision agriculture.
New Delhi, May 20, 2026: In an effort to promote sustainable farming and protect soil health, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilisers ahead of the Kharif 2026 sowing season. The campaign is being carried out through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ICAR research institutes across several states.
Over the past month, ICAR teams have been organising field camps, farmer-scientist interactions, training sessions, and awareness programmes to educate farmers about reducing excessive use of chemical fertilisers and adopting eco-friendly farming methods.
The campaign focuses on soil test-based nutrient management, integrated nutrient management (INM), use of bio-fertilisers, vermicomposting, green manuring, and scientific use of farmyard manure (FYM). Officials say these practices can help improve soil fertility, lower farming costs, and increase crop productivity in the long run.
In Punjab, KVK Fazilka organised a special awareness camp for school students, spreading the message: “संतुलित उर्वरक अपनाएँ, मिट्टी की उर्वरा शक्ति बचाएँ,” encouraging people to protect soil fertility through balanced fertiliser use.
In West Bengal, multiple training programmes were held in villages under Burdwan, Kalimpong, and South 24 Parganas districts. Farmers were educated about scientific nutrient management and proper seed treatment practices for Kharif crops.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed active participation from farmers in awareness programmes organised by ICAR institutes in Jabalpur, Bhopal, and Dhar districts. Discussions focused on soybean cultivation, bio-fertilisers, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Similar programmes were also conducted in Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where experts highlighted the importance of organic fertilisers and nutrient recycling methods.
Agriculture experts believe that excessive use of chemical fertilisers not only damages soil health but also increases input costs for farmers. Through this campaign, ICAR aims to encourage farmers to adopt scientific and balanced fertiliser practices that can ensure better crop yields while protecting the environment.
Officials said the initiative will play a major role in ensuring food security, improving nutrient use efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture across the country during the Kharif 2026 season.
