ICAR–MGIFRI and KVK Piprakothi Join Hands to Promote Balanced Fertilization and Soil Health under Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026

23 October 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Piprakothi, organized a training and awareness programme on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) under Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) – Rabi 2026. The programme witnessed the participation of 28 farmers and trainees and focused on balanced fertilizer application, soil health improvement, efficient nutrient management, crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme aimed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of scientific nutrient management and encourage the adoption of resource-efficient technologies to improve crop productivity, reduce unnecessary input costs and maintain long-term soil fertility.

Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR–MGIFRI, emphasized the importance of developing self-reliant, climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems through balanced nutrient management, natural farming, organic resource recycling and improved crop production technologies. He highlighted that maintaining soil health is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and encouraged farmers to adopt soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations, integrate locally available organic resources and diversify existing cropping systems. He further stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutes and KVKs to ensure effective transfer of scientific technologies to farmers.

The role of KVKs in bridging agricultural research and field-level adoption was highlighted, with emphasis on Integrated Nutrient Management, soil testing, balanced fertilizer use and improved Rabi crop production practices. Farmers were encouraged to utilize KVK advisories and training opportunities to enhance farm profitability and resource-use efficiency.

A technical session on soil health management, balanced fertilization and precision nitrogen management emphasized Soil Health Card-based nutrient recommendations and the integrated use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers. A demonstration of GreenSeeker-based crop sensing technology for nitrogen management in rice highlighted its potential to improve nitrogen-use efficiency, reduce fertilizer costs and minimize environmental losses.

The importance of crop diversification through mung bean (green gram) inclusion in the rice–wheat system was also discussed. Its role in biological nitrogen fixation and soil health improvement through residue incorporation was emphasized, encouraging farmers to adopt suitable rice–wheat–mung bean rotations based on local agroclimatic conditions, crop duration and irrigation availability.

The programme also addressed scientific crop residue management, highlighting the adverse effects of residue burning on soil organic matter, beneficial microorganisms, nutrient cycling and environmental quality. Farmers were advised to adopt residue retention, mulching, composting, incorporation and appropriate mechanized management practices instead of burning crop residues. The importance of conservation agriculture, zero-tillage and efficient irrigation practices was also discussed. An interactive farmer–scientist session provided an opportunity for participants to discuss field-level challenges related to fertilizer application, soil fertility, crop establishment, residue management and declining profitability. Scientists provided practical, location-specific recommendations for improving nutrient-use efficiency and sustainable Rabi crop production.

The joint initiative reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR–MGIFRI and KVK Piprakothi to strengthening farmer outreach and promoting healthy soils, balanced fertilization, precision nutrient management, natural farming and diversified cropping systems under Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026. The programme forms part of the institute's ongoing campaign activities scheduled from 22 October to 30 November 2026, aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and farmers’ livelihoods in Bihar.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)