ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad Promotes Balanced Fertilization and Sustainable Farming under Khet Bachao Abhiyan

30 June 2026, Hyderabad, Telangana

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India and ICAR, the ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad organized an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use and soil health management at Kothapalle village in Yacharam mandal of Rangareddy district, Telangana, today.

The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers on sustainable nutrient management, soil health conservation, and climate-resilient agricultural practices for improving productivity while reducing input costs.

During the technical sessions, farmers were advised to avoid the excessive use of urea and DAP, highlighting their adverse effects on soil health, crop productivity, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Emphasis was placed on adopting soil test-based balanced fertilization to ensure efficient nutrient management and maintain soil fertility.

Practical demonstrations on seed treatment with biofertilizers were conducted, and farmers were encouraged to adopt seed treatment or soil application of suitable biofertilizers to enhance nutrient availability, improve soil microbial activity, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

The programme also promoted sustainable farming practices such as crop diversification, green manuring, soil and water conservation measures, including ridge and furrow planting, and the use of natural alternatives to chemical pesticides for environmentally sustainable crop production. Farmers were provided with information on the availability, pricing, and scientific methods of using the recommended agricultural inputs to facilitate their effective adoption in the field.

Through such initiatives under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, ICAR-CRIDA continues to promote science-based, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural practices for enhancing soil health and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in dryland regions.

A total of 35 farmers participated in the awareness programme and actively interacted with experts on issues related to balanced fertilization, soil health management, and sustainable farming practices.

(Source: ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)