The ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA), Hyderabad, organized an awareness programme under the Save the Field Campaign 2026 on 25 June 2026 at Ippatur village, Nawabpet Mandal, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana. The campaign was conducted in response to the nationwide initiative of the Government of India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to promote balanced fertilizer use, soil health conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The programme focused on creating awareness among farmers about soil test-based balanced fertilization, integrated nutrient management, and soil health management for sustainable crop production. Scientists emphasized that excessive and indiscriminate use of urea adversely affects soil fertility, crop productivity, and farm profitability. Farmers were encouraged to adopt balanced nutrient application based on soil testing to improve soil health and achieve higher productivity.

As part of the campaign, scientists also demonstrated seed treatment techniques, highlighting their importance in improving seed germination, protecting crops from soil-borne diseases, and enhancing crop establishment.

The awareness programme was attended by Dr. R. Nagarjuna Kumar, Principal Scientist, Dr. M. Manjunath, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Suvana Sukumaran, Senior Scientist, who interacted with the farmers and addressed their queries on sustainable nutrient management and natural farming practices.

A total of 75 farmers, including 45 women farmers, actively participated in the programme. Village Sarpanch Shri Ravi Kiran and Deputy Sarpanch Shri Narasimha also attended the event and appreciated ICAR-CRIDA’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level.

The programme was efficiently coordinated by Village Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) Shri Manikanta, whose support in active participation of the farming community.

The campaign reaffirmed ICAR-CRIDA’s commitment to empowering farmers through scientific knowledge, promoting balanced fertilizer use, conserving soil health, and encouraging environmentally sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural prosperity.