ICAR-RCER, Patna Organizes National Workshop on Balanced and Eco-Friendly Nutrient Management for Sustainable Agriculture Focusing Purnea District

The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna organized a National Workshop on “Balanced and Eco-Friendly Nutrient Management for Sustainable Agriculture” on May 08, 2026. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers regarding balanced fertilizer use, promoting integrated nutrient management and sustainable soil health management practices for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. 

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjeev Chaurasia, Hon’ble MLA, Digha Assembly Constituency, Patna, emphasized that “soil is our mother” and its conservation is the collective responsibility of society. He highlighted the importance of protecting soil health alongside increasing agricultural production and urged farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer application, green manuring, organic inputs, and soil test-based nutrient management. He stated that sustainable agricultural technologies and soil health conservation would significantly contribute towards achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna and Chairman of the workshop, emphasized the urgent need to adopt Integrated Nutrient Management practices in modern agriculture. Referring to the “Law of Minimum,” he urged farmers to follow balanced fertilization practices for efficient nutrient management based on crop requirements. He highlighted the importance of crop residue recycling, organic manures, green manuring, vermicompost, and micronutrient application for ensuring sustainable agricultural production and maintaining long-term soil health.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Organizing Secretary of the workshop highlighted the importance of the “4R Principles” of fertilizer application viz. Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for improving nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. He noted that integrated nutrient management can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while lowering production costs and protecting natural resources.

Distinguished experts from various institutions also shared their insights during the programme. Dr. Bikas Das, Director, NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur emphasized the need for market research and farmer recognition mechanisms for promoting recommended agricultural practices. Dr. Raghvendra Singh, Director, MGIFRI, Motihari, urged farmers to avoid indiscriminate fertilizer use and adopt scientific nutrient management practices based on crop needs and soil health. Dr. Md. Monobullah, Principal Scientist, ATARI, Patna stressed effective dissemination of scientific technologies and advanced agricultural information among farmers for promoting sustainable farming systems. Dr. Shiv Pratap Singh, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CPRC, Patna emphasized the vital role of farmers and fertilizer-responsive crop varieties in enhancing crop productivity and improving nutrient use efficiency for sustainable agriculture. 

In the technical session, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Scientist, emphasized the judicious and balanced use of fertilizers for sustainable agriculture and soil health management. He advised farmers to apply fertilizers based on soil testing and explained the importance of balanced application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Dr. Reshma Shinde, Senior Scientist, highlighted the role of organic fertilizers and biological resources in improving soil fertility and microbial activity.

Dr. K. M. Singh, Head, KVK, Purnea noted that the shift towards rice–maize cropping and expansion of potato and makhana cultivation in Purnea has led to excessive DAP use, adversely affecting soil health, and stressed integrated use of chemical, organic, and natural nutrient sources. Dr. Deokaran, Head, KVK, Buxar emphasized the use of Soil Health Cards and Leaf Color Charts for efficient nutrient management and advised farmers to adopt scientific fertilizer application practices according to crop requirements.

Farmers from Patna, Buxar, and Purnea districts actively participated in the workshop and shared that lack of awareness often leads to imbalanced fertilizer use, resulting in increased cultivation costs and deterioration of soil health. They appreciated such awareness programmes for providing practical knowledge on balanced fertilizer use and nutrient management. Farmers also highlighted challenges such as rising prices of chemical fertilizers and limited availability of biofertilizers and quality organic manure. An exhibition of different organic fertilizers and bio-inputs was also displayed to promote their adoption and create awareness about eco-friendly and low-cost nutrient sources for sustainable agriculture.Experts explained the benefits of cultivating dhaincha during summer and incorporating in soil as green manure before sowing of rice to improve soil fertility and reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizer. For wider application and promotion, seeds of dhaincha were also made available to the farmers. A field demonstration on foliar application of urea was conducted to provide hands-on learning experiences to farmers and minimize nutrient losses. Farmers were also informed about the role of legume crops in biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient recycling for improving long-term soil fertility and sustainability.

Around 100 participants including scientists, experts, farmers and other stakeholders attended the workshop. “The programme was coordinated by Dr. Manisha Tamta, Scientist, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Shivani, Principal Scientist”, said Sh. Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary, Media, ICAR-RCER, Patna.