ICAR Intensifies Nationwide Campaign on Balanced Fertiliser Use Ahead of Kharif 2026
KVKs and research institutes conduct farmer outreach, training and soil health awareness programmes across states
The campaign, which has been underway for nearly a month, saw a series of programmes organised across the country during May 18 and 19.
New Delhi: Indian Council of Agricultural Research has intensified its nationwide awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilisers ahead of the Kharif 2026 season, focusing on sustainable agriculture, soil health management and reduction in excessive chemical fertiliser usage.
Through its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research institutes, ICAR is conducting awareness camps, farmer-scientist interactions, training programmes and field demonstrations across multiple states to promote soil test-based nutrient management and eco-friendly farming practices.
The campaign, which has been underway for nearly a month, saw a series of programmes organised across the country during May 18 and 19.
In Punjab, KVK Fazilka at Abohar organised an awareness camp for school students highlighting the importance of soil testing and balanced fertiliser application under the slogan “Santulit Urvarak Apnaayein, Mitti Ki Urvara Shakti Bachayein.”
In West Bengal, KVK Burdwan conducted awareness camps in Bud Bud and Galsi blocks focusing on judicious fertiliser use and sustainable nutrient management practices.
RAKVK Nimpith in South 24 Parganas organised a training programme on soil test-based nutrient management in different crops, while Kalimpong KVK held an awareness session in Sangsey village attended by Panchayat representatives and farmers.
DDKVK Dakshin Dinajpur also organised a training programme on seed and seedbed treatment for Kharif paddy cultivation, focusing on scientific nursery and seed treatment practices to improve crop productivity.
In Odisha, KVK Boudh conducted an awareness campaign at Harbhanga block involving local farmers and stakeholders.
In Madhya Pradesh, ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur organised a farmer-scientist interaction programme at Raithra village in Patan block with participation from both male and female farmers.
Simultaneously, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal conducted awareness campaigns focusing on green manuring, biofertilisers, precision agriculture and sustainable nutrient practices for Kharif 2026.
Under the ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ initiative, awareness meetings on balanced fertiliser use in soybean cultivation were also held in Dhar district.
In Rajasthan, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (IIRMR), Bharatpur organised a Kisan Sangoshthi at Randhirpura village to promote balanced fertiliser use, soil health improvement, green manuring and organic farming practices.
In Telangana, ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad conducted an awareness programme at Mammudugutta village in Mahboobnagar district with participation from local farmers.
Similar programmes were also organised in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ initiative and field outreach campaigns promoting organic fertilisers and sustainable farming methods.
ICAR said the nationwide campaign aims to encourage Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), use of bio-fertilisers, vermicomposting, scientific application of farmyard manure, livestock-based nutrient recycling and green manuring practices.
According to ICAR, the initiative seeks to improve nutrient-use efficiency, reduce input costs for farmers, strengthen food security and protect long-term soil health through sustainable agricultural practices.
