ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) organized an awareness programme on “soil health management and balanced fertilizer use” on 20.04.2026 in Gundrampally (Chityal) Village , Suryapet Mandal, of Nalgonda District, under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme. The programme was organized under the Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.

Dr A. K. Indoria, Senior Scientist (Soil Science) briefed about the key principles for soil health such as balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management (INM), soil test-based fertilizer application, organic amendment, bio-fertilizer application etc. He also emphasized the 4Rs nutrient stewardship framework—Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for judicious use of fertilizers.

Adopting alternative agriculture practices such as organic farming, natural farming, precision agriculture, etc. are useful for managing the soil health and environment. Using eco-friendly fertilizers like organic manure, green manure, bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, compost, liquid fertilizers etc. improves soil health, reduces pollution, reduces chemical fertilizers and increases long-term yields. He highlighted the need to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and advocated the adoption of balanced fertilizer use practices for maintaining soil health and safeguarding the environment.

Dr Keerthika Senior Scientist ( AgroForestry ) emphasized that balanced fertilization in agroforestory system improve the nutrient dynamics and microbial activity, enhanced soil structure and organic carbon and minimized the negative environmental impact.

She also explained that agroforestry approach accesses nutrients in lower soil horizons, which are then returned via litterfall, complementing the nutrients applied to annual crops, enhancing the sustainability of the system. Overall, these practices are crucial for increasing profitability, sustainability and environmental protection

The team also visited some farmers' fields to address the soil fertility issues. Some farmers have successfully adopted natural farming practices.

This program served as an effective platform for knowledge dissemination and encouraged the farmers to adopt the balanced fertilizer use for soil health management and higher crop productivity. Dr. Sharavan Kumar DAO, Mr. Giri Babu, AO, Mrs. Veena Kumari, AEO and other state official also present during the awareness programme.