ICAR-CIARI Regional Station, Minicoy, Lakshadweep Organizes Awareness Programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Organic Manures under Khet Bachao Abhiyan

29 June 2026, Lakshadweep

As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan (1–30 June 2026) under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) Programme, an awareness programme on the balanced use of fertilizers and organic manures was organized at ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Research Station, Minicoy today.

The experts delivered an awareness lecture on the importance of balanced nutrient management for sustainable crop production. He highlighted the role of organic manures in improving soil fertility, enhancing soil organic carbon, and sustaining long-term agricultural productivity.

Various organic nutrient sources, including Farm Yard Manure (FYM), compost, oil cakes, biofertilizers, and green manures, were discussed in detail. The session also emphasized different composting methods and the effective utilization of locally available organic resources for improving soil health.

An interactive discussion followed the lecture, during which farmers actively shared field-level issues. Practical recommendations and scientific management practices were provided to address these challenges. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, encouraging farmers to adopt integrated and balanced nutrient management practices for sustainable agriculture. As part of the campaign activities, a practical demonstration on vermicomposting was conducted to showcase the effective utilization of locally available organic resources for improving soil fertility.

The demonstration was conducted by experts where they explained the procedure and benefits of vermicomposting in enhancing soil organic matter, improving nutrient availability, conserving soil moisture, and promoting overall crop health. The participants actively engaged in the demonstration and interacted with the technical staff on the preparation and adoption of vermicompost and other organic nutrient management practices on their farms.

The programme concluded with active participation from the farming community, enhancing awareness of sustainable nutrient management practices and the effective use of organic resources. The programme successfully contributed to the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) Programme.

A total of 22 farmers and village representatives participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)