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

4 May 2026, Hyderabad

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers conducted on 4 May 2026 across eight districts under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad, involved eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and demonstrated effective convergence of extension, training, and digital outreach. A total of 10 awareness programs reached 519 farmers directly, while 6 training programs benefited 284 farmers, supported by stakeholder interactions involving 99 participants. Extension activities included 8 demonstrations on green manuring, biofertilizers, and other sustainable practices, along with wall paintings and expert talks. Digital dissemination played a key role, achieving a reach of 4,28,585 farmers through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and other media, complemented by 1,141 farmers covered through direct physical contact. Overall, the campaign successfully integrated capacity building with mass communication, significantly enhancing awareness and promoting the adoption of balanced fertilizer practices across the region.

The intensive campaign on balanced use of fertilizers conducted also across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry under ICAR–ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad covered all 72 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), demonstrating strong convergence of extension, capacity building, and digital outreach. A total of 38 awareness programs were organized, reaching 1,812 farmers directly, along with 13 training programs benefiting 590 farmers.

The campaign also included stakeholder interactions involving 183 participants and one Kisan Mela covering 150 farmers, strengthening farmer–scientist linkages. Extension interventions comprised 31 demonstrations on green manuring, biofertilizers, and other sustainable practices, supported by wall paintings and expert talks. Digital dissemination emerged as the key driver, achieving a substantial reach of 4,88,462 farmers through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and other media, complemented by 2,952 farmers covered through direct physical contact. Overall, the campaign effectively integrated capacity building with mass communication, significantly enhancing awareness and promoting the adoption of balanced fertilizer practices across the Zone.

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