Report on Campaign for Balanced Use of Fertilizers under ICAR-ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad

8 May 2026, Hyderabad

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers conducted on 8 May 2026 across eight districts of Andhra Pradesh under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad demonstrated effective integration of field-level extension, farmer training, and large-scale digital outreach. A total of 9 awareness Programs involving Kisan Gosthis and field activities were organized, directly reaching 404 farmers, while 7 training Programs benefited 278 farmers with emphasis on scientific nutrient management, soil health improvement, green manuring, and biofertilizer application.

The campaign also included interface meetings, stakeholder interactions, TV and radio talks, and expert lectures delivered by KVK scientists, strengthening farmer awareness and institutional convergence. Extension interventions comprised 21 demonstrations on green manuring, biofertilizers, and other sustainable practices, supported by 182 expert talks, wall paintings, and poster displays across the districts. Digital dissemination emerged as the major strength of the campaign, achieving a substantial social media reach of 4,12,053 farmers through WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other media platforms, complemented by 947 farmers covered through direct physical contact and advisory services. Overall, the campaign significantly enhanced awareness and promoted adoption of balanced fertilizer use and sustainable nutrient management practices across the region.

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers conducted on 8 May 2026 across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry under ICAR–ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad covered all 72 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), reflecting strong integration of field-level extension, farmer training, and digital outreach. A total of 28 awareness Programs, including Kisan Gosthis and field days, were organized, directly reaching 1,082 farmers, while 17 training Programs benefited 609 farmers with emphasis on scientific nutrient management, soil health improvement, green manuring, and biofertilizer application.

The campaign also facilitated stakeholder and interface meetings involving 105 participants, supported by TV and radio talks and 336 expert lectures delivered by KVK scientists. Extension interventions included 69 demonstrations on green manuring, biofertilizers, and other sustainable nutrient management practices, along with wall paintings and poster campaigns across the Zone. Digital dissemination emerged as the major strength of the campaign, achieving a massive outreach of 4,89,531 farmers through WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other social media platforms, complemented by 2,292 farmers covered through direct physical contact and advisory services.

Overall, the campaign effectively combined grassroots extension with mass communication, significantly enhancing awareness and promoting adoption of balanced fertilizer use across the Zone.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad)