23 April 2026, Hyderabad
ICAR-Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, organised an awareness programme on “Soil Health Management and Balanced Fertilizer Use” in Gundrampally (Chityal) village, Suryapet Mandal of Nalgonda district today, under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme. The initiative was conducted as part of the Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers launched by ICAR, New Delhi.
During the programme, key principles of soil health management were highlighted, including balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management (INM), soil test–based fertilizer application, organic amendments, and the use of bio-fertilizers. Special emphasis was placed on the 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship framework Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place to promote the efficient and judicious use of fertilizers.
Experts underscored the importance of adopting alternative agricultural practices such as organic farming, natural farming, and precision agriculture for sustaining soil health and protecting the environment. The use of eco-friendly inputs, including organic manure, green manure, bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, compost, and liquid fertilizers, was recommended to improve soil quality, reduce pollution, lower dependence on chemical fertilizers, and enhance long-term productivity.
The need to minimize excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers was strongly emphasized, with a focus on balanced fertilization practices to maintain soil health and environmental sustainability. Experts also highlighted that balanced fertilization in agroforestry systems improves nutrient dynamics and microbial activity, leading to better soil structure and increased organic carbon content, while reducing adverse environmental impacts.
Further, it was explained that agroforestry systems facilitate nutrient uptake from deeper soil layers, which are subsequently recycled through litterfall, complementing nutrient inputs to annual crops and enhancing overall system sustainability. These integrated approaches were noted as essential for improving farm profitability, ensuring sustainability, and promoting environmental protection. As part of the programme, the team visited farmers’ fields to address soil fertility-related issues. It was also observed that several farmers in the area have successfully adopted natural farming practices.
The programme served as an effective platform for knowledge dissemination, encouraging farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer use for improved soil health and enhanced crop productivity.
(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)
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