As part of the MGMG Programme (Team-2), scientists from ICAR-IIWM conducted a farmer awareness and capacity-building programme on 3rd June 2026 at Kateni village under Bhubaneswar Block, Khurda district focusing on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Science-Based Nutrient Management” and the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan.” The programme was designed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of efficient nutrient management practices that enhance crop productivity while preserving long-term soil health. During the programme, scientists explained the importance of applying fertilizers judiciously, emphasizing the principles of right source, right dose, right time, and right method of application based on soil test results and crop-specific nutrient requirements. They also highlighted the detrimental consequences of indiscriminate fertilizer use, such as declining soil fertility, nutrient imbalances, increased production costs, and environmental pollution. Farmers were encouraged to adopt Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) approaches by integrating chemical fertilizers with organic nutrient sources, including farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, and biofertilizers, to ensure sustainable agricultural production. The event concluded with an interactive discussion session in which farmers shared their field-level challenges related to nutrient management and received practical, science-based recommendations from the scientists. A total of 21 progressive farmers from the village actively participated in the programme.
