ICAR-ATARI Kolkata Organises Brainstorming Session-cum-Convergence Dialogue on Balanced Fertiliser Use for Sustainable Soil Health and Improved Crop Productivity

11 May 2026, Howrah

A Brainstorming Session-cum-Convergence Dialogue on Balanced Use of Fertiliser was successfully organized today, jointly by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (BCKV), Howrah, in collaboration with ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata.

The programme brought together scientists, extension officials, Line Departments, progressive farmers, input dealers and media representatives to deliberate on sustainable nutrient management and soil health restoration under the ongoing national campaign on scientific and balanced fertiliser use.

In his presidential address, Dr Ashok Kumar Patra, Vice-Chancellor, BCKV, highlighted the proactive role of KVKs in promoting balanced fertiliser use through location-specific advisories, precise nutrient scheduling, integration of organic resources, and recycling of farm residues for sustaining soil health and enhancing resource-use efficiency.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, emphasized that fertiliser use based on soil testing and crop needs is essential for sustaining soil health and crop productivity. He highlighted that integrating green manures, biofertilisers and organic inputs can improve nutrient-use efficiency, enhance soil biological activity, and reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers. Stressing Jan Bhagidari, Dr Dey underscored the need for convergence among farmers, institutions, and departments to promote integrated nutrient management and resilient, sustainable agriculture.

Other distinguished participants included Prof. Manabendra Roy, Director, Extension Education, BCKV, Dr Ashoke Sit, Deputy Director, Agriculture (Admin.), Howrah, Dr Santosh Kumar Jana, Deputy Director, Agriculture (World Bank), Howrah, along with other Officials from line Departments, Progressive farmers, input dealers and representative from All India Radio.

The dialogue concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen inter-departmental convergence, expand soil test-based nutrient advisory services, seed production of green manures, crop diversification and intensify farmer awareness programmes for promoting integrated nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices across the district.

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