Workshop on Intensive Campaign on Balanced Fertilizer Use Organised at ICAR-KVK, Malda

17 April 2026, Malda

A district-level workshop on the “Intensive Campaign on Balanced Fertilizer Use” was successfully organized by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (CISH), Malda, under the aegis of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata. The programme was conducted in alignment with the objectives of the Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Jan Abhiyan, focusing on soil health management and sustainable agricultural practices through balanced fertilizer application.

Addressing the participants, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI emphasized the urgent need for a convergent, science-based approach to nutrient management to ensure resilient agricultural systems and long-term food and nutritional security. He advocated the adoption of soil test-based fertilizer application through Soil Health Cards and highlighted the importance of improving soil organic matter using green manuring and organic amendments. Stressing the principles of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), he called for the judicious use of fertilizers, including NPK complexes, single super phosphate (SSP), and micronutrients, while cautioning against the excessive use of urea and DAP to safeguard soil health.

The programme featured the release of thematic literature and the distribution of green manure seeds to representatives of FPOs and FPCs. Discussions highlighted the vital role of organic inputs such as compost, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and green manuring in maintaining soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, and promoting environmental sustainability.

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to strengthening awareness and accelerating the adoption of balanced, need-based fertilization practices across the district. The initiative served as an effective platform for capacity building and sensitization of farmers and stakeholders towards sustainable soil health management through integrated nutrient management approaches.

The workshop witnessed active participation from 56 stakeholders, including board members of Farmer Producer Organizations such as English Bazar FPO, Kaliachak Farmers Producer Company, Gazole Farmers Producer Company, and Habibpur Women Farmers Producer Company. The participants also included a CEO of a Cluster-Based Business Organization (CBBO), agri-entrepreneurs, input dealers, and progressive farmers.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)