An awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) and Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) was organized successfully on Thurseday, 11 June 2026 at Narangpada village in Baranga Block of Cuttack district, Odisha under the Mission on Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme of the Government of India. The farmer-scientist interaction programme was organized by the scientists of ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar, including Dr. K.K. Bandyopdhyay, Principal Scientist (Soil Science), Dr. O.P. Verma, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), Dr. Ankita Jha (Agrometeorologiest) and Dr. Subodh Karna, Technical Officer. A total of 52 farmers including 30 male and 22 female farmers actively participated in the programme. The programme was conducted with the objective of promoting balanced nutrient management practices among farming communities and creating awareness on maintaining soil productivity through Integrated Nutrient Management and improvement of soil health. Md. ShamiUllah Khan, Secretary, Pallishree Pani panchayat was the Chief guest on this occasion. Farmers were encouraged to adopt low-cost and location-specific nutrient management strategies suitable for local farming conditions. The programme started with the National Song “Bande Mataram”. During the programme, the scientists interacted extensively with farmers on the present challenges associated with declining soil fertility, rising cultivation costs due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, fertilizer crisis due to the recent war in the Gulf region and imbalance in nutrient application. Dr. Bandyopadhyay informed that continuous use of nitrogenous fertilizers alone often leads to nutrient mining, making plants susceptible to pest and diseases leading to lower response of crops to fertilizers over time. Besides this, such practice causes environmental pollution like greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater pollution, eutrophication having serious health consequences. Emphasis was therefore laid on restoring soil health through integrated nutrient management involving green manures, farmyard manure, Vermicompost, biofertilizers and balanced fertilization practices. Dr. Verma explained the advantages of including pulse and leguminous crops in crop rotations for natural nitrogen enrichment and improved soil fertility. Awareness was also created regarding the role green-manuring and crop diversification in enhancing nutrient availability, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, and improving resilience of crops under stress conditions. Dr. Jha explained about the practicing farming operation based on weather based agro-advisory services uploaded regularly at the IIWM website. Practical demonstrations were conducted on the use and 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). There was an interactive discussion session, where farmers discussed their problems and expressed keen interest in adopting balanced and sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. The scientists visited the field of a farmer Mr. Dillip Behera. The programme concluded with the National Anthem. The programme was also covered in the print media.
