Report on Campaign for Balanced Use of Fertilisers under ICAR-ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad

6 May 2025, Hyderabad

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers was conducted on 6 May 2026 across eight districts under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad, involving seven Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 7 awareness programs were organized, directly reaching 442 farmers through Kisan Gosthis, field-level extension activities, and advisory dissemination, while 6 training programs benefited 368 farmers with emphasis on scientific nutrient management, soil health improvement, green manuring, and biofertilizer application. The campaign also facilitated stakeholder participation involving Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, input dealers, and farmer groups, supported by expert talks delivered by KVK scientists through meetings, TV and radio talks, and awareness interactions. Digital outreach emerged as a major strength of the campaign, achieving a social media reach of 2,30,923 farmers through WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other digital platforms, complemented by 984 farmers covered through direct physical contact. Extension interventions included demonstrations on green manuring and biofertilizers, along with awareness activities such as wall paintings and poster displays, thereby significantly enhancing awareness and promoting the adoption of balanced fertilizer practices across the Zone.

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers conducted on 6 May 2026 across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry under ICAR–ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad covered all 72 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), demonstrating strong integration of field-level extension, capacity building, and digital outreach. A total of 48 awareness programs, including Kisan Gosthis and field days, directly reached 2,196 farmers, while 21 training programs benefited 1,045 farmers with emphasis on scientific nutrient management, soil health improvement, green manuring, and biofertilizer application. The campaign also included 4 Kisan Melas covering 115 farmers, stakeholder interactions, and expert talks delivered by KVK scientists. Digital dissemination emerged as the key driver, achieving a social media reach of 3,00,097 farmers through WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other platforms, complemented by 3,751 farmers covered through direct physical contact. Extension interventions included 113 demonstrations on green manuring, biofertilizers, and other sustainable practices, along with awareness activities such as wall paintings, poster displays, TV talks, and radio talks, thereby significantly enhancing awareness and promoting adoption of balanced fertilizer practices across the Zone.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad)