As part of the National Campaign on Adoption of Science-Based Nutrient Management (i.e., Balanced Use of Fertilizers), one awareness campaign cum demonstration was organized on 12th May, 2026 during the 39th Foundation Day of ICAR-IIWM. ) was celebrated with active participation of farmers for celebrating. A total of 46 farmers including 25 farmwomen from five districts, namely Khordha, Puri Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Rayagada of Odisha actively participated in the programme. As part of the celebration, scientists interacted with the farmers and created awareness regarding the balanced use of fertilizers (BUFs) with emphasis on reducing excessive use of chemical fertilizers for agricultural production. Moreover, scientists also emphasized the importance of substituting at least 25% of mineral fertilizers with organic manures to improve soil health and long-term agricultural 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). During the programme, demonstrations were conducted on the methods and timing of application of various bio-fertilizers and organic inputs, including Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB), vermicompost, Farmyard Manure (FYM), green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha), nitrogen-fixing leguminous crops, Leaf Colour Chart (LCC)-based nitrogen application, and nano-urea. 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 participating farmers were also taken on an exposure visit to see the organically grown crops in the Poly house and Technology Park, and new technologies displayed in Exhibition Stall. The campaign-cum farmer–scientist interaction programme was organized and coordinated by Dr. S.K. Mishra, Dr. S.K. Rautaray, Dr. R.K. Panda, Dr. D.K. Panda, Dr. B.S. Satapathy, Dr. Prativa Sahu, Dr. Debabrata Sethi and Dr. Mamta Bisht.
