Farmers Sensitized on Balanced Fertilizer Use and Organic Farming

Salumber — A farmer awareness programme on Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Gram (MGMG) and balanced fertilizer use was organized in Banoda village of Salumber tehsil. More than 150 farmers participated in the programme, including 109 women and 41 male farmers. Ward Panch representatives Bhanwarlal Meena, Kalulal Meghwal, and Narayan Meghwal were also present on the occasion.

During the programme, farmers were advised to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by nearly 50 percent in upcoming Kharif crops, especially maize and soybean, and compensate for the reduction through crop residues and farmyard manure. Scientists explained that adopting band placement of fertilizers improves fertilizer-use efficiency and reduces cultivation costs.

Chief Scientist Dr. R. P. Sharma urged farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer practices and highlighted that the use of potash fertilizers in horticultural crops improves fruit quality and enhances disease resistance. He also emphasized the importance of zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) application in foodgrain crops for increasing productivity and reducing malnutrition in humans and livestock through improved soil nutrition.

Scientist Dr. R. S. Meena informed farmers about the benefits of including pulse crops in farming systems, noting that they help in biological nitrogen fixation and improve soil fertility. Meanwhile, scientist Dr. Brijesh Yadav demonstrated the use of Rhizobium culture for soybean seed treatment and explained its benefits to farmers.

During the interactive session, farmers raised questions related to cowpea crop management, soil health card recommendations, and fertilizer management, which were addressed by the experts. Participants also expressed keen interest in adopting organic farming and balanced nutrient management practices.