Fertilizer Dealers Should Serve Farmers with Dedication and Integrity: Dr. Pratap Singh

Udaipur: A 15-day Retail Fertilizer Dealer Training Program was organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chittorgarh. Addressing the valedictory session, the chief guest Dr. Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, emphasized that fertilizer dealers should serve farmers with sincerity and commitment. He encouraged trainees to adopt their profession with dedication and provide timely and accurate guidance to farmers, thereby acting as agents of positive change.

Dr. Singh further stated that after completing the training, fertilizer dealers should establish direct contact with farmers and motivate them to adopt modern and advanced agricultural technologies to enhance their income. Highlighting the six key dimensions of agriculture—land, water, seeds, fertilizers, mechanization, environment, and farmers—he stressed that farmers are paramount and all preparations should revolve around their needs.

Dr. R. L. Soni, Director (Extension), Directorate of Extension Education, MPUAT, urged participants to stay connected with Krishi Vigyan Kendras so they can indirectly benefit farmers through agricultural innovations. He elaborated on the CBINW concept, discussing customized fertilizers, balanced fertilization, and integrated nutrient management. He also highlighted the importance of water-soluble fertilizers and natural farming.

Course Coordinator Dr. Ratan Lal Solanki provided insights on improving fertilizer use efficiency and shared knowledge on sustainable agriculture, integrated farming systems, and crop diversification. The training covered balanced fertilizer usage, identification of genuine and fake fertilizers, plant nutrients and deficiency symptoms, and the importance of soil testing. Practical sessions included soil health card usage, nutrient management, organic farming benefits, soil and fertilizer sampling, and vermicompost preparation.

Training Co-coordinator Deepa Indauria, Program Assistant, informed that 50 participants from various panchayat samitis of the district attended the training. They received both theoretical and practical knowledge on fertilizer certification courses from agricultural scientists of the university and officials from the state agriculture department.

Several experts delivered technical sessions on different topics, including Dr. K. K. Yadav, Dr. Yogesh Kannojia, former Joint Director of Agriculture Dinesh Jaga, Dr. Ramesh Dhakad, Assistant Director of Agriculture Dr. Anshu Chaudhary, Om Prakash Sharma, Ramesh Ameta, Agriculture Research Officer (Chemistry) Dr. Dinesh Jat, Vikram Singh, Gopal Dhakad, Jyoti Prakash Siroya, Sunil Khoiwal, Ram Gopal Arya, Mukesh Ameta (IFFCO), Mahendra Dudi (NABARD), and Sunil Gagrani (Deergh Enterprises, Senti), among others.

On the occasion, Technical Assistant Sanjay Kumar Dhakad appealed to participants to extend the benefits of the training to farmers. The program concluded with the distribution of certificates and training materials to all participants, along with a vote of thanks to the guests and trainees.