The “Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers” programme was successfully conducted on 7^th May 2026 at village Hinganewadi, Indapur Tehsil of Pune district under the farmer awareness initiative on scientific nutrient management. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers regarding the importance of balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for sustaining soil health, improving crop productivity, and reducing unnecessary fertilizer consumption.

Scientists from ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, namely Dr. Pratapsingh S. Khapte and Dr. P.S. Basavaraj, actively participated in the programme. The Taluka Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Officer were also present during the event. The programme was further graced by the presence of the former Chairman of the village co-operative society and the village Sarpanch, who encouraged farmers to adopt scientific and sustainable nutrient management practices.

A total of 38 farmers from Hinganewadi village attended the programme enthusiastically. The programme began with highlighting the objectives and importance of the nationwide campaign on balanced fertilizer use. Farmers were sensitized about the harmful effects of excessive and imbalanced fertilizer application on soil fertility, crop productivity, environmental quality, and long-term agricultural sustainability. During the interaction, emphasis was given on soil test-based fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management, use of organic manures and biofertilizers, and adoption of balanced doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and micronutrients according to crop requirement. The scientists also explained the significance of Soil Health Cards, neem-coated urea, nano fertilizers, and customized fertilizers in improving nutrient use efficiency and maintaining soil health. Farmers were advised to reduce indiscriminate use of fertilizers and adopt scientific nutrient management practices for higher profitability and sustainable farming.

The campaign aligns with the Government of India’s initiatives promoting balanced fertilization through schemes such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS), PKVY, PM-PRANAM, and integrated nutrient management approaches for sustainable agriculture. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session in which farmers shared their field-level experiences and discussed fertilizer management practices in major crops grown in the village, including sugarcane, soybean, chickpea, grapes, and pomegranate. Farmers also raised various queries related to balanced nutrient management in these crops. The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and expressed their willingness to adopt balanced fertilizer practices for improving soil health, nutrient use efficiency, and crop productivity.