Under the aegis of Khet Bachao Abhiyan, an awareness-cum-interaction programme on sustainable soil health management and balanced nutrient use was organized on 25 June 2026 at Sanamahitala village under Chhendipada Block of Angul district, Odisha. The programme was conducted by Dr. S. Mohanty, Dr. R.K. Mohanty, Dr. Prativa Sahu, and Dr. Md. Shafeeq of ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR-IIWM), Bhubaneswar. A total of 44 farmers, including 21 women and 23 men, from Sanamahitala and Natada villages participated in the programme. Dr. S. Mohanty introduced the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and emphasized the importance of protecting soil as a living resource essential for food, nutritional, and environmental security. He highlighted the need for adopting balanced fertilization practices, improving soil organic matter, and reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. The benefits of vermicompost, green manuring, and nano-fertilizers in improving nutrient-use efficiency and sustaining crop productivity were also discussed. Dr. R.K. Mohanty sensitized the farmers on the consequences of continuous nutrient mining, declining soil fertility, and imbalanced fertilizer application. He discussed the principles of integrated nutrient management and encouraged farmers to combine organic and inorganic nutrient sources for maintaining soil productivity. He also stressed the importance of recycling locally available farm resources for improving soil health and reducing cultivation costs. Dr. Prativa Sahu delivered a session on eco-friendly soil health management practices. She explained the role of biofertilizers such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB) in enhancing nutrient availability and soil biological activity. Dr. Md. Shafeeq discussed the role of crop residue incorporation, conservation agriculture practices, and moisture conservation measures in maintaining soil health and enhancing resilience to climatic stresses. The programme also included demonstrations on integrated nutrient management technologies and biofertilizer application methods. Farmers actively participated in the discussions and shared their field experiences and challenges related to soil fertility management. The scientists addressed their queries and provided practical recommendations for improving soil health, enhancing nutrient-use efficiency, and sustaining crop productivity. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective commitment by the participants to adopt soil-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
