2 June 2026, Patna
As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” (Save the Fields Campaign), the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna organized a Panchayat Representatives and Sarpanch Meet to promote awareness on integrated nutrient management, soil health conservation, and natural farming practices for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer application in maintaining long-term soil productivity and environmental sustainability. He urged farmers to adopt Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices for improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Highlighting the significance of Soil Health Cards (SHCs), he stated that the cards provide vital information on soil properties and help farmers undertake scientific nutrient management.
Dr Das further cautioned against the excessive use of chemical fertilizers such as urea and DAP, noting their adverse effects on soil health and increasing production costs. He encouraged farmers to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers by adopting alternative nutrient sources including green manuring with Dhaincha, organic manures such as farmyard manure and compost, crop residue recycling, and biofertilizers like Azolla, Azotobacter, PSB, and Rhizobium. He also stressed the inclusion of leguminous crops in cropping systems to enhance soil fertility naturally.
During the programme, speakers highlighted the important role of Panchayat representatives in disseminating scientific agricultural practices among rural communities. Discussions focused on soil health management, scientific principles of balanced fertilizer application, and the role of leguminous crops in reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers while improving soil fertility.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajay Prasad, Mukhiya of Makhdumpur Panchayat, appreciated the initiative and observed that such campaigns would significantly help farmers understand the importance of soil health conservation and balanced nutrient management. He suggested organizing regular village-level discussions on soil health and nutrient management, similar to successful community-based social initiatives, to improve the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Several women participants shared their experiences during the interactive session and informed that they had already adopted natural farming practices, resulting in noticeable improvements in soil quality and crop health.
Ward Member Shri Vikramaditya Upadhyay also shared his experience of incorporating Dhaincha as a green manure crop over the past few years, which enabled him to reduce urea use in rice cultivation by nearly 50 percent while maintaining comparable crop productivity.
During the programme, Panchayat representatives collectively resolved to actively spread awareness on soil health conservation and balanced fertilizer use among farmers in their respective villages. They pledged to encourage soil-test-based nutrient management, promote organic and biological alternatives, and support the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan for sustainable agriculture and future generations.
The programme strengthened community commitment towards soil health conservation, balanced fertilizer use, and sustainable agricultural development. Approximately 115 participants attended the programme, including around 40 Panchayat representatives and Ward members from different Panchayats such as Makhdumpur, Chirora, and Agja.
(Source: ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)
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