An awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers (BUF) and Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) was organized successfully on 18 June 2026 at Sikharpur village in Odagaon Block of Nayagad district, Odisha under the Mission on Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme of the Government of India. The farmer-scientist interaction programme was organized by the scientists of ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar, including Dr. D.C. Sahu, Principal Scientist (Land and Water Management Engineering) and Mr. Soumya Ranjan Nayak, YP-II, REWARD Project. Mrs. Madhusmita, Asstt. Project Director, DSC & WD, Odagaon was the Chief guest on this occasion. A total of 34 farmers including 24 male and 10 female farmers actively participated in the programme. The programme was conducted with the objective of promoting balanced nutrient management practices among farming communities and creating awareness on maintaining soil productivity through Integrated Nutrient Management and improvement of soil health. Farmers were encouraged to adopt low-cost and location-specific nutrient management strategies suitable for local farming conditions. The programme started with the National Song “Bande Mataram”. During the programme, the scientists interacted extensively with farmers on the ill effect of long-term use of excess quantity of chemical fertilizer application. Degradation of soil health and water quality etc. due to excess use of chemical fertilizer, use of fertilizer in right quantity, right source, right time, and right place based on crop requirements and soil fertility status were explained. Different practices were discussed for balanced fertilizer and Khet Bachao Abhiyan. Dr. Sahu explained in detail on Soil Health Card-based nutrient management, Use of organic manures and green manuring, Reduction of excessive chemical fertilizer application, Conservation of soil and water resources. Practical demonstrations were conducted on the use and application methods of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB), vermicompost, Farmyard Manure (FYM), nano-urea, and green manuring with Sesbania (Dhaincha). There was an interactive discussion session, where farmers discussed their problems and expressed keen interest in adopting balanced and sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
