Balanced Use of Fertilizers – ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram Sensitizes Family Farmers

1 May 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram

ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, organized a farmer sensitization programme on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers – A Must” at Calicut, Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman today. The programme focused on promoting balanced nutrient management as an essential component of soil and water conservation and sustainable farming under island conditions.

A team of scientists from ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of integrating organic, biological, and inorganic nutrient sources to enhance crop productivity while reducing input costs and minimizing environmental risks.

Drawing on extensive experience in farming on sloping lands and in high-rainfall conditions, it was highlighted that the balanced use of organic manures and biofertilizers effectively complements soil and water conservation measures. The importance of practices such as bunding, trenching, contour farming, mulching, green manuring, and cover cropping, along with improved cropping systems like mixed cropping, intercropping, and crop rotation, was emphasized. These approaches help reduce runoff and soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, minimize nutrient losses, and sustain crop productivity, particularly in high-rainfall and resource-constrained island conditions.

Referring to the current scarcity of chemical fertilizers and the adverse effects of their indiscriminate use, the officials stressed the urgent need for achieving greater self-reliance in the production and use of organic manures and biofertilizers. He strongly advocated the adoption of vermicomposting, farmyard manure production, and on-farm biofertilizer use. He noted that this transition toward resilient and sustainable farming systems would require coordinated efforts among agricultural development agencies, research institutions, and farming communities.

An expert discussed key livestock health challenges expected during the forthcoming monsoon season and outlined appropriate preventive and treatment measures to enhance animal productivity.

Another expert highlighted the importance of balanced nutrient application to sustain the productivity of vegetable and fruit crops while maintaining soil health. The need for crop-specific fertilizer application based on nutrient requirements at different growth stages was also emphasized.

A display banner illustrating the nutrient requirements of major crops and fertilizer management strategies for the region was used during the programme to facilitate better understanding among the participants. Farmers were also guided on suitable alternatives to chemical fertilizers and informed about training opportunities related to organic and biofertilizer production available at ICAR-CIARI and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Around 25 farmers, and 10 next-generation farmer youths, actively participated in the programme. The participants sought information on the availability, preparation, methods, and appropriate timing of applying organic and biofertilizer-based inputs during an interactive session.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram)