ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote soil health, sustainable agriculture, and balanced fertilizer use, a Soil Health Awareness Programme for sweet potato farmers was conducted at Mukuna village in Kendujhar Sadar block of Keonjhar district, Odisha.

The programme witnessed the participation of approximately 60 tribal women farmers and focused on enhancing awareness of scientific soil health management practices suitable for sustainable sweet potato cultivation in hill ecosystems. Key topics covered included the importance of soil testing, Soil Health Card-based fertilizer application, balanced nutrient management, use of organic manures, green manuring, biofertilizers, mulching, and crop residue recycling.

The session also highlighted the existing soil health status in sweet potato-growing regions of Banspal block. Soil data from locations such as Suakati, Tola Jagar, and Uper Jagar revealed significant variability in fertility parameters: soil pH ranged from 5.89 to 7.71, organic carbon from 0.63 to 1.88%, available nitrogen from 251 to 451 kg/ha, available phosphorus from 9.72 to 124.8 kg/ha, and available potassium from 236 to 618 kg/ha. These variations emphasize the necessity for plot-specific soil testing and location-specific nutrient management instead of uniform fertilizer recommendations.

Special emphasis was placed on improving soil organic matter through green manuring. Farmers were encouraged to cultivate green manure crops such as dhaincha, sunhemp, and cowpea during fallow or pre-planting periods and incorporate the biomass into the soil prior to sweet potato cultivation. This practice enhances soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient availability, and moisture retention, which are critical for productivity in hill agro-ecosystems.

The programme was aligned with the broader objectives of the DMF Indradhanush Aahaar Yojana and the MARKET PLUS programme, both of which aim to strengthen biofortified sweet potato production, improve farmer livelihoods, and promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture in tribal regions of Keonjhar. The event served as an effective platform for integrating soil health management with sustainable production, market linkages, and nutritional security.

The session was led by Mr. Piyush Mohanty, District Coordinator of the MKUY scheme from the CDAO office, Keonjhar. Mr. Sambeet Kumar Parida, Project Manager of the Rainbow Diet Project, coordinated the programme, while Ms. Sweetlina Das, CEO of Sabuja Banani Producer Company Ltd., facilitated local arrangements. Ms. Kumudini Dehuri delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers actively engaged in discussions, raising queries related to nutrient management and appropriate fertilizer application intervals