An awareness-cum-training and demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) was successfully organized on 30th April 2026 in MGMG-adopted Pampalo village of Balipatna Block in Khordha district of Odisha under the National Awareness Campaign on ‘Adoption of Science-Based Nutrient Management’, i.e., Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF). The programme focused on promoting the balanced, judicious, and need-based application of inorganic fertilizers, with particular emphasis on reducing the excessive consumption of urea, which depletes soil health. The participating scientists emphasized the importance of substituting inorganic fertilizers with organic manures to improve soil health and long-term sustainability. Farmers were sensitized on the importance of soil testing for soil health management, adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), appropriate cropping and farming systems, crop diversification, and efficient Agricultural Water Management (AWM) to enhance Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE). Participants were educated on waste-to-wealth approaches, serious health and environmental hazards associated with excessive chemical fertilizer use, and the need to scale up safe and sustainable alternatives without compromising crop productivity. During the training programme, demonstrations were conducted on the methods and timing of application of various bio-fertilizers and organic inputs, including Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria (KMB), Vermi-compost, Farmyard Manure (FYM), Green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha) and other Nitrogen-fixing leguminous crops, Leaf Colour Chart (LCC)-based nitrogen application, Nano-Urea, and Nano-DAP. A special emphasis was given to the effective use of bio-fertilizers, wherein it was explained how liquid or carrier-based bio-fertilizers can be mixed with cow dung and kept for 12–15 days under proper conditions. This process helps in increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms, thereby enhancing nutrient availability and improving crop productivity. The programme witnessed active participation from a total of 58 farmers, including 37 men and 21 women. The awareness campaign cum training programme was organized and coordinated by Dr. S.K. Rautaray, Dr. S. K. Mishra, Dr. P. Panigrahi, Dr. Ashis Maity and Dr. Mamta Bisht.
