New Delhi: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has intensified a nationwide awareness campaign on the balanced use of fertilisers ahead of the Kharif 2026 season to promote sustainable agriculture and protect soil health.
Through its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research institutes, ICAR has been conducting awareness camps, farmer-scientist interactions and training programmes across several states during the past month.
The campaign focuses on soil test-based nutrient management, integrated nutrient management (INM), use of bio-fertilisers, vermicomposting, green manuring and other eco-friendly agricultural practices aimed at reducing excessive use of chemical fertilisers.
In Punjab, KVK Fazilka organised an awareness programme for school students highlighting the importance of balanced fertiliser use and soil testing. Similar awareness camps and training sessions were conducted in West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In West Bengal, programmes focused on sustainable nutrient management and scientific seed treatment for Kharif paddy cultivation. In Madhya Pradesh, farmer-scientist interactions highlighted green manuring, bio-fertilisers, precision agriculture and balanced nutrient use in soybean farming.
Under initiatives such as “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav,” several institutes educated farmers on improving soil fertility, reducing cultivation costs and adopting environmentally sustainable farming methods.
ICAR said the campaign aims to ensure long-term food security while safeguarding soil health and improving nutrient-use efficiency. The initiative also promotes the use of farmyard manure, livestock-based nutrient recycling and organic alternatives to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
According to ICAR, these coordinated efforts are expected to support sustainable agricultural growth and improve productivity during the Kharif 2026 cultivation season.
