ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad to Lead Farmer Outreach Campaign on Scientific Input Management in Karnataka

ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad is set to launch an intensive farmer awareness campaign in the coming week in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, in collaboration with ICAR–KVK, Kalaburagi. The initiative aims to promote the adoption of science-based nutrient and other input management practices among farmers.

As part of the campaign, four multidisciplinary teams comprising scientists and technical personnel will directly engage with farmers through village-level programmes, field demonstrations, and interactive sessions. These efforts are intended to ensure effective dissemination and field-level adoption of improved agricultural practices.

The programme focuses on promoting scientific and need-based fertilizer application, with special emphasis on millet-based farming systems that are well-suited for dryland regions and recognized for their climate resilience. By encouraging farmers to adopt balanced nutrient management based on soil testing and crop-specific requirements, the initiative seeks to restore soil fertility, improve soil structure, and enhance microbial activity, thereby supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.

Balanced fertilization ensures the adequate supply of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. This contributes to improved root development, better drought tolerance, enhanced grain quality, and higher yields in millets and other crops.

The initiative is also expected to reduce excessive and unscientific fertilizer use, thereby lowering the cost of cultivation and improving input-use efficiency. With precise nutrient management, farmers can minimize unnecessary expenditure, reduce nutrient losses, and achieve better economic returns through improved productivity and crop quality. This is particularly significant for millets, which are gaining importance due to their high nutritional value and increasing market demand.

In addition, the programme promotes the use of biofertilizers, green manuring, and organic inputs, which help increase soil organic carbon, improve moisture retention, and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, making farming more economical and environmentally sustainable.

Addressing the initiative, Dr C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–IIMR, emphasized that promoting balanced fertilizer use is essential for strengthening sustainable and resilient farming systems at the grassroots level. She highlighted that integrating scientific nutrient management with improved agronomic practices in millets can enhance productivity, ensure nutritional security, and provide better income opportunities for farmers. She further noted that such field-level interventions play a crucial role in equipping farmers with practical knowledge and enabling the adoption of efficient, low-cost, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

This programme is part of a broader nationwide effort being implemented in 100 intensive districts, where scientific teams are actively working to create awareness and facilitate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Through this focused initiative, ICAR–IIMR aims to bring about meaningful transformation in agriculture by improving soil health, reducing cultivation costs, and enhancing the productivity and profitability of millet-based and other cropping systems.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)