ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture organizing Save the Field Campaign 2026 (खेत_बचाओ_अभियान ) in response to the call from the Government of India and Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR), to promote balanced fertilizer use, soil health conservation, and natural farming among farmers

Under this programme ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad organized an awareness campaign on Balanced Fertilization use and Soil Health Management on 16 June 2026 in Lingaram village of Balanagar mandal in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state

The following scientists from ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad has attended the campaign:
1. Dr. Sumanta Kundu,Senior Scientist (Agronomy)
2. Mr. N.S.Raju, Scientist(Computer Applications)

Farmers were sensitized about the importance of soil test-based balanced fertilization for sustainable crop production. They were advised to avoid excessive use of urea, which can negatively affect soil health, crop productivity, and farm profitability.

Total 30 Farmers participated in the programme.

Mr. B. Vasantha Yadgiri, village sarpanch, Mr. G. Vijay Vishnu, Vice President, Mrs. B. Yadamma, Mr. G. Yadaiah, Ward member, Mrs. G. Ramaya, AEO were present.

Dr. Sumanta Kundu and Mr. N. Souri Raju described the major principles for soil health management such as balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management, soil test-based fertilizer application, organic amendments, biofertilizer application, crop rotation, green manuring with dhaincha & sunhemp, use of compost, vermicompost, etc.

During the programme, various water conservation technologies were discussed. Topics included were crop diversification, cultivation of alternative crops to paddy viz, pigeonpea, groundnut, millets, which are water-efficient, agri-horticulture system for climate risk management, in-situ moisture conservation practices viz, ridge and furrow, broad bed furrow, mulching, conservation agricultural practices, and ex-situ rain water conservation practices such as farm ponds.

Efficient irrigation methods, including drip and sprinkler systems as well as rooftop rainwater harvesting technique, were discussed in detail. Other pracices viz., organic farming, natural farming, value addition of different products and post harvest management also discussed in details

The team members and AEO addressed the queries raised by the farmers.