ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture organized Save the Field Campaign 2026 (खेत बचाओ अभियान) in response to the call from the Government of India and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to promote balanced fertilizer use, soil health conservation, and natural farming among farmers.

Under this programme, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad organized an awareness campaign on Balanced Fertilizer Use and Soil Health Management on 08 June 2026 in Nandaram village, Balanagar mandal, Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state.

Team leader Dr. V. Maruthi and members Dr. P. K. Pankaj and Shri N. Manikandan from ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad, along with Ms. P. Vijayalakshmi, AEO (Balanagar Circle), Mr. Sabhavath Harisingh (Sarpanch), Mr. Sathyanarayana (Deputy Sarpanch), Ms. Dasarath (Panchayat Secretary), and Mr. Shrikanth (Assistant Engineer, Panchayat Raj), were present during the programme.

Dr. V. Maruthi explained the major principles of soil health management such as balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management, soil test-based fertilizer application, organic amendments, biofertilizer application, crop rotation, green manuring with dhaincha and sunhemp, and the use of compost and vermicompost.

She, along with Shri N. Manikandan, demonstrated seed treatment of green gram using Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). Farmers were informed about the benefits of seed treatment and the different methods of PSB application in the field.

Dr. P. K. Pankaj elaborated on the importance of livestock, backyard poultry, sheep, and goat rearing in enhancing farm income. He also explained various methods of utilizing cow dung for compost and vermicompost preparation.

The team members and AEO addressed the queries raised by the farmers.

At the end of the programme, the team members expressed their gratitude to the farmers, Sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary and AEO for their support and cooperation in successfully conducting the awareness program.

A total of 31 farmers, including 17 women farmers, participated in the programme.