ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad organised awareness campaign on soil health management and balanced use of fertilizer under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav Programme in Bakapur village, Vikarabad district Telangana state.

The following scientists from ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad has attended the campaign:

1. Dr,B.Sanjeeva Reddy, Principal Scientist
2. Dr.R.Nagarjuna Kumar, Principal Scientist
3. Dr Suvana S, Senior Scientist

They briefed about the key principles for soil health management such as balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management (INM), soil test-based fertilizer application, organic amendment, bio-fertilizer application etc. The concept of 4Rs nutrient stewardship framework—Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for judicious use of fertilizers was also emphasized. It was also suggested to adopt alternative agriculture practices such as organic farming, natural farming, precision agriculture and crop diversification for managing the soil health and environment. Use of eco-friendly fertilizers like organic manure, green manure, bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, compost, liquid fertilizers etc. were also emphasized. Demonstration of seed treatment with biofertilizers were also given to the farmers. The President of the village, Smt. B Manjula and Vice President, Sri S Prashanth, Farmer Group President, Shri Sivaiah also were present during the interaction.

Total 30 farmers attended the programme including 10 women farmers