ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness among farmers on maintaining soil health through the balanced use of fertilizers. The programme commenced with the welcome address by Dr. P. Murugesan. This was followed by two technical sessions: Training Session I on “Soil Health Testing and Soil Health Cards” by Dr. V. Ramesh, and Training Session II on the “Role of Biofertilizers in Balanced Fertilizer Use” by Dr. Saravanan Raju.

An interactive scientist–farmer session, coordinated by Dr. E. R. Harish, provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss their field-level challenges. Special remarks were delivered by Dr. Niya Celine, who emphasized the importance of balanced and need-based fertilizer application and highlighted the role of scientific technologies in enhancing crop productivity and sustainability. Significance of maintaining soil health and adopting balanced nutrient management practices to improve crop yield and farmers’ income was emphasized.

The farmers actively participated in the programme and raised queries related to nutrient deficiencies and appropriate fertilizer application intervals. PGPR and Saral compost developed by ICAR–CTCRI were distributed to the participants. A total of 55 farmers (30 women and 25 men) participated in the programme, which successfully enhanced awareness on soil health management and improved tuber crop production technologies.