Under the nationwide ‘Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilisers’ initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, scientists from the ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) have begun a series of farmer awareness programmes across selected villages. As part of the campaign, a team of scientists conducted a Farmers Scientists interaction programme on CRIDA 42nd foundation day on 12-4-2026 at CRIDA, Hyderabad.

Farmers were sensitised on the importance of balanced fertiliser application and sustainable agricultural practices for improving soil health. The programme emphasised the adoption of soil test–based fertiliser recommendations to enhance soil fertility and ensure efficient nutrient management.

The expert team highlighted the adverse effects of excessive and imbalanced fertiliser use. Farmers were encouraged to adopt integrated nutrient management practices, to ensure long-term sustainability of farming systems. During the interaction farmers quires also clarified by the experts, about usage of balanced fertilizers for sustainable soil health.

Experts also highlighted the importance of enhancing soil organic matter through practices such as green manuring, and advocated for integrating organic inputs with bio-fertilizers under the framework of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).

The initiative aims to create widespread awareness among farmers ahead of the upcoming Kharif season and promote environmentally sustainable as well as economically viable agricultural practices.

The programme witnessed the active participation of about 200 farmers