5 June 2026, Patna
ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, in collaboration with KVK, Buxar, organized an awareness-cum-training programme on soil health and balanced use of fertilizers under the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' for PACS fertilizer input dealers along with farmers from different villages of Buxar district today. The programme was facilitated by KVK Buxar, which handled local coordination and ground-level outreach.
During the technical session, farmers openly acknowledged problematic practices. A woman farmer from village Bhabuwar, Mrs. Usa Kumari, expressed that she now understands her community has been using excess fertilizer in their fields, and that burning paddy straw is harming soil health. She admitted their residue management has been wrong and recognized that proper crop residue incorporation is vital for soil sustainability.
Another farmer from Madha village, Mrs. Agnish Devi, stated her belief that organic fertilizer and vermicompost can improve soil health while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Following these insights, fertilizer dealers, PACS Chairmen, and members committed to counseling farmers on balanced fertilizer use at the point of sale, while Government Cooperative Officers present pledged to instruct all dealers under their jurisdiction to motivate farmers for judicious and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR RCER Patna, conveyed a strong message regarding the importance of judicious fertilizer use by farmers and the urgent need to sensitize fertilizer dealers, including PACS members and other stakeholders, for a synergistic approach to achieve the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. This collaborative effort, he emphasized, requires every link in the agricultural supply chain to act responsibly.
The programme was attended by officials and agricultural experts who emphasized balanced fertilizer use and sustainable nutrient management. Farmers were encouraged to follow the “Four R’s” of fertilizer application—Right Source, Right Quantity, Right Method, and Right Time and adopt integrated nutrient management to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use. Discussions also highlighted the role of bio-fertilizers, organic manures, and green manuring in improving soil health and nutrient efficiency.
Farmers were made aware of the harmful effects of excessive fertilizer use, including soil degradation and rising input costs. The programme reinforced institutional support for promoting balanced fertilization and sustainable farming practices. Lasting soil health requires replacing excessive chemical inputs and residue burning with balanced fertilization, organic amendments, and strengthened farmer awareness.
A total of 66 male and 27 female participants attended, including twenty PACS Chairmen and members, one village Sarpanch, and members from more than five women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs), collectively covering 17 villages.
(Source: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)
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