An awareness programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) was successfully organised on 21 May 2026 at Khandiadanda village under Balipatana Block of Khurda district, Odisha. The programme aimed to promote balanced, efficient, and need-based fertilizer use for improving soil health and sustainable crop production. The programme was conducted by Dr. H.K. Dash, Dr. Sanatan Pradhan, and Mr. Biswaranjan Behera. Dr. Sanatan Pradhan highlighted the importance of soil testing and site-specific nutrient management, while Dr. H.K. Dash discussed the role of organic manures and biofertilizers in sustaining soil health. Mr. Biswaranjan Behera elaborated on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices for major cropping systems and strategies to improve nutrient-use efficiency. Farmers were sensitized on soil health management, INM, crop diversification, green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha), crop residue recycling, and efficient water management practices. The programme also discussed waste-to-wealth approaches and the environmental and health risks associated with excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The importance of biofertilizers and organic nutrient sources such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, PSB, KSB, vermicompost, and Farmyard Manure (FYM) was also explained. A total of 48 farmers, including 21 women and 27 men, participated actively in the programme and expressed interest in adopting integrated soil and nutrient management practices.
