ICAR-CRIDA organized Save the Field Campaign 2026 (खेत_बचाओ_अभियान ) at Chityal and Sivannigudem villages of Chityal Mandal, Nalgonda district of Telangana state on 5-6-2026 to create awareness on “Soil Health Management and Balanced Fertilizer Use” and “Khet Bachao Abhiyan.”

Dr. A. K. Indoria, Senior Scientist (Soil Science), explained various fertilizer-saving techniques, including the application of fertilizers in the right proportion and avoiding excessive use of urea. He emphasized the principles of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), He also highlighted the importance of Soil Health Cards for site-specific fertilizer recommendations.

Dr. Indoria stressed the increased use of organic nutrient sources such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, compost, green manures, and coir pith, along with crop-specific biofertilizers, to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

He further discussed alternative agricultural practices such as natural farming, organic farming, conservation agriculture, and regenerative agriculture for improving soil health and ensuring environmental sustainability.

He explained the “4R Nutrient Stewardship” principles: applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. A practical demonstration on soil sample collection was also conducted to help farmers optimize fertilizer use.

He additionally suggested the cultivation of low nutrient-demand crops such as pigeon pea (red gram) and green gram. Considering the proximity to Hyderabad and other urban markets, he highlighted the potential of organic vegetable farming as a profitable enterprise.

Dr. Tridiv Ghosh, Scientist (Agricultural Physics), explained the importance of weather-based agro-advisories for timely agricultural operations and fertilizer applications. He also created awareness about the impacts of climate change on cropping systems and suggested adaptation strategies to protect crops from extreme weather events.

He emphasized that timely agrometeorological advisories can help minimize weather-related losses and improve crop productivity.

He also demonstrated seed treatment using biofertilizers as an effective approach to reduce chemical fertilizer requirements.

The CRIDA team visited cucumber and mango fields to interact with farmers and address soil fertility-related issues.

The team also discussed the significance of World Environment Day and emphasized the need for maintaining a clean, pollution-free environment in the face of climate change challenges.

A total of 51 farmers participated in the programme, including 20 women farmers.