29 May 2026, Karnataka
ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari, Karnataka organized an awareness campaign on “In-Situ Green Manuring: Boosting Organic Matter and Fertility” today at Mattajanhalli village, Sandur Block, Ballari district, Karnataka under the MGMG Programme and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).
The programme commenced with highlighting the importance of green manuring in improving soil organic matter, soil fertility, crop productivity, and farm economics. The benefits of green manure crops such as Sunnhemp, Daincha, cowpea, and black gram was explained with special emphasis on the use of Sunnhemp and Daincha in local farming systems. The role of green manures in nutrient supply, nitrogen fixation, and enhancement of soil biological health was elaborated. Farmers were encouraged to adopt green manuring practices regularly to improve long-term soil productivity and sustainability.
Senior Scientist (Forestry), discussed the importance of utilizing locally available live hedges and green leaf manure species on farm bunds for enriching agricultural soils with organic matter. He highlighted the nitrogen-fixing potential and benefits of species such as Gliricidia sepium (locally known as Gobbarada gidda), Pongamia pinnata, Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul), Albizia amara, Sesbania grandiflora, and Erythrina variegata. He also introduced locally suitable green manure crops including horse gram, hedge lucerne, and Stylosanthes scabra.
During the interaction, he explained how farmers can effectively utilize locally available organic resources to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and improve soil fertility in a sustainable manner. He further advised farmers to utilize sheep and goat manure produced within their farms for maintaining soil productivity instead of selling it externally.
The programme concluded with active interaction between scientists and farmers, reinforcing the importance of in-situ green manuring practices for sustainable soil health management and improved agricultural productivity.
A total of 56 farmers, including 15 men and 41 women farmers, participated in the awareness programme.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun)
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