An awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) was organized on 12th June 2026 at Bhimrajpur village under Salipur Block of Cuttack district, Odisha, under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The programme was conducted by Dr. B.K. Sethy, Dr. R.K. Mohanty, and Dr. Prativa Sahu, with the active participation of 47 farmers, including 16 women farmers. During the programme, scientists emphasized the importance of balanced and judicious fertilizer use for improving soil health, enhancing nutrient-use efficiency, and reducing cultivation costs. Farmers were sensitized on the adverse effects of indiscriminate fertilizer application and the need for soil test-based nutrient management, integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, crop residue recycling, green manuring, and biofertilizers for sustainable crop production. Practical demonstrations were carried out on the application and benefits of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), nano-urea, nano DAP, and green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha) to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Scientists also demonstrated simple techniques for the multiplication of beneficial microbial cultures using cow dung-based organic media, enabling farmers to adopt low-cost and eco-friendly nutrient management practices.
