An awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) was successfully organized on Wednesday, 10th June 2026 at Langijoda village under Talcher Block of Angul district, Odisha, under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan of the Government of India. The farmer-scientist interaction programme was conducted by scientists of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar, including Dr. Prativa Sahu and Dr. Ankhila R. Handral. A total of 47 participants, comprising 13 male and 34 female farmers, actively participated in the programme. Scientists interacted extensively with farmers on challenges such as declining soil fertility, rising cultivation costs, and imbalanced nutrient application, emphasizing that excessive dependence on nitrogenous fertilizers alone can deteriorate soil structure, reduce microbial activity, and lower crop response over time. Farmers were advised to restore soil health through integrated nutrient management involving organic amendments, bio-inputs, composting, residue incorporation, efficient fertilizer-use practices, and inclusion of pulse and leguminous crops for natural nitrogen enrichment. Awareness was also created on the role of bio-fertilizers and microbial consortia in enhancing nutrient availability and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Practical demonstrations were conducted on the application methods of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB), vermicompost, Farmyard Manure (FYM), nano-urea, and green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha), along with multiplication of beneficial microbial cultures using cow dung-based organic media under field conditions. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, where farmers expressed keen interest in adopting balanced and sustainable nutrient management practices to improve soil health and crop productivity.
