Residential Certification Course on ‘Integrated Nutrient Management’ Concludes

2nd - 16th February 2026, Nadia

The 15-day residential certification course on “Integrated Nutrient Management for Fertilizer Dealers” was successfully completed at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nadia. The programme was jointly conducted by Nadia KVK, the Fertilizer Association of India – Eastern Region (FAI-ER), Kolkata, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, with the objective of strengthening the technical competence of agro-input dealers in balanced fertilizer use and soil health stewardship. Trainees appreciated the practical sessions and expert guidance, noting that the exposure would help them better assist farmers in adopting more sustainable and efficient nutrient management practices.

In the valedictory session, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, highlighted plant nutrients as the lifeline of agriculture, stressing that their judicious use is essential for sustaining crop productivity and resilient farming systems. He noted that since farmers frequently depend on agri-input dealers for fertilizer advice, strengthening dealers’ technical competence is crucial for promoting balanced fertilization and scientific nutrient management. Dr Dey added that the training, aligned with government guidelines, was designed to transform dealers into informed resource persons who can support soil health, improve farm productivity, and build farmers’ confidence in sustainable practices.

Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh, Regional Executive, FAI-ER, Kolkata, explained that under the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2018 notification and the Fertilizer Control Order provisions, fertilizer dealership eligibility requires an agriculture degree, diploma, or successful completion of an approved 15-day training programme. He stated that the Fertilizer Association of India launched this initiative to ensure dealers possess sound scientific knowledge to offer reliable advisory services to farmers.

The program brought together 36 participants from the West Bengal State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. (BENFED), representing the districts of Nadia, Hooghly Murshidabad and Burdwan. This initiative sets the stage for a future shaped by informed and science-based approaches to plant nutrient management, empowering participants with valuable knowledge and skills.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)