KVK Ganjam-II Launches 15-Day Capacity Building Programme for Agricultural Input Dealers

3 August 2026, Ganjam

In a significant initiative to strengthen scientific agricultural advisory services at the grassroots, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (OUAT), Ganjam-II, under the jurisdiction of ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata Kolkata, inaugurated a 15-day Training Programme for Agricultural Input Dealers of Ganjam district. Sponsored by the Government of Odisha, the programme aims to enhance the technical competency of input dealers and promote the scientific, balanced and sustainable use of agricultural inputs among farmers.

Addressing virtually, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, emphasised that agricultural input dealers are vital partners in the country's extension system and play a crucial role in the last-mile delivery of scientific technologies. He stressed that transforming input dealers into knowledge partners through continuous capacity building is essential for promoting soil test-based nutrient management, balanced fertiliser use and climate-resilient agriculture. He noted that scientifically trained input dealers can significantly contribute to improving farmers' income, restoring soil health and achieving sustainable agricultural growth in line with the national vision of sustainable and resource-efficient farming.

The programme highlighted the pivotal role of agricultural input dealers as the first point of contact for farmers seeking advice on seeds, fertilisers, plant protection chemicals and other farm inputs. It was emphasised that scientifically trained input dealers are instrumental in promoting the adoption of improved technologies and sustainable farming practices, making regular capacity-building programmes essential.

The importance of close coordination among research institutions, extension agencies, government departments and agricultural input dealers was also underscored to ensure the effective dissemination of improved agricultural technologies to farmers.

The participants were welcomed with an appreciation of the enthusiasm shown by agricultural input dealers in updating their technical knowledge. It was noted that the training would strengthen their ability to address emerging challenges such as fertiliser shortages, promote efficient nutrient management and provide scientifically sound advisory services to farmers under changing agricultural scenarios.

The comprehensive training programme will cover critical aspects of soil fertility management, soil testing, soil test-based fertiliser recommendations, balanced fertiliser application and integrated nutrient management. Participants will also receive practical insights into emerging issues such as nutrient imbalance, declining soil organic carbon, low nutrient-use efficiency, natural farming and the environmental consequences of indiscriminate fertiliser use.

Experts emphasised that soil test-based fertiliser recommendations are fundamental to maintaining soil health, enhancing fertiliser-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable crop production. By equipping input dealers with the latest scientific knowledge, the programme seeks to transform them into trusted extension partners capable of guiding farmers towards more productive, profitable and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

A total of 30 agricultural input dealers representing different parts of the district participating in the programme. The initiative is expected to strengthen the professional competence of agricultural input dealers and reinforce their role as vital stakeholders in agricultural development, ultimately contributing to improved soil health, higher farm productivity and resilient farming systems in Ganjam district.

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