An awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) was organized on 9th June 2026 at Sanamulai village under Kantapada Block of Cuttack district, Odisha, as part of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The programme was conducted by Dr. S. Mohanty, Dr. R.K. Mohanty, and Dr. Md. Shafeeq P.M., with the active participation of 31 farmers, including 9 women farmers. During the programme, scientists highlighted the importance of balanced nutrient management in addressing declining soil fertility and rising cultivation costs. They discussed sustainable practices such as the use of organic amendments, composting, crop residue recycling, pulse-based crop rotations, biofertilizers, and efficient fertilizer application to improve soil health and crop productivity. Practical demonstrations were carried out on the use of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), nano-urea, nano DAP, and green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha). Farmers were also trained in simple techniques for multiplying beneficial microbial cultures using cow dung-based organic media.
