A sensitization workshop on ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Promoting Balanced Use of Fertilizer’ was organized on 12th June 2026 in the premises of Agricultural Office at Bhingarpur in Balianta block of Khordha block, Odisha. Fifty (50) officials from 15 different FPOs functioning in Khordha and Puri districts participated in the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arjamadutta Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM discussed the scenario of fertilizer use in India, problem of agro-ecosystem degradation due to excessive use nitrogenous fertilizers and its implications for sustainable agriculture. He also highlighted the importance of proper irrigation scheduling, appropriate method and timing of irrigation to arrest nutrient loss from soil. He urged the participating FPOs to develop demonstrations on different crop production models with reduced use of chemical fertilizers, green manuring, organic farming etc. and assess their scale-up potential. Dr K.K. Bandyopadhyaya, Principal Scientist & Programme Leader discussed the physical, chemical and biological changes that have occurred in soil system, and the way they have impacted soil fertility, soil nutrient status and productivity over years. He emphasized the role of soil organic carbon in enhancing nutrient-use-efficiency by plants, the need for scientific soil sampling and regular soil testing to monitor soil health and plan measures for restoring soil health. Dr B.S. Satapathy, Senior Scientist, in his presentation discussed different aspect of soil nutrient management in conventional, organic and natural faming situation, and highlighted different organic and biological interventions, particularly cultivation of Dhaincha(Sesbania aculeata), application of bio-fertilizers, plant-based products, mulching etc. for enriching soil and reduce use of chemical fertilizers. He underscored need for large scale production of Dhaincha seeds with support of FPOs to meet the demand of Dhaincha seeds to meet demand of farmers. Earlier, Dr H.K. Dash, Principal Scientist, welcomed the participants and made a brief presentation on India’s fertilizer production, consumption scenario and the trend of expenditure on fertilizer import and subsidy. The participants also shared their experiences and activities for promoting the use of organic manures, bio-fertilizers, plant residues, nano fertilizers etc. in crop production.
