Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers for Sustainable Soil Health Organised at SSKVK, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

7 April 2026, Narendrapura

An Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers was successfully organized today by Sasya Shyamala KVK (RKMVERI), Narendrapur under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata. Aligned with the objectives of the Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Jan Abhiyan, the programme underscored the critical importance of soil health management and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through the judicious use of fertilizers.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, emphasized the need for a convergent, science-based approach to nutrient management, anchored in soil test-based recommendations and the use of Soil Health Cards. He highlighted the importance of enhancing soil organic matter through practices such as green manuring, and advocated for integrating organic inputs with bio-fertilizers under the framework of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). He further stressed the need to promote balanced fertilizer application including NPK complexes, SSP, and micronutrients—while discouraging the indiscriminate use of urea and DAP to safeguard long-term soil health and sustainability.

The campaign also brought attention to the emerging concerns associated with the imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. While acknowledging their significant role in boosting crop productivity, experts noted that unscientific application has led to declining soil health, reduced nutrient-use efficiency, and increasing environmental risks. If such practices persist, they may adversely impact long-term agricultural sustainability as well as farm profitability.

Serving as a platform for awareness and capacity building, the campaign sensitized farmers, extension personnel, and other stakeholders on restoring soil fertility through balanced and need-based fertilizer use. It reinforced the message that sustainable soil management is fundamental to building resilient agricultural systems and ensuring long-term food and nutritional security.

The programme witnessed the active participation of 25 women farmers from Sonarpur blocks of South 24 Parganas district.

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