Sri Vijaya Puram, April 28: Special Awareness Programmes/Meetings on the Balanced Use of Fertilizers are being conducted by Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration in association with Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in all villages of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands w.e.f 1st April, 2026 and will continue till 4th May, 2026.
As part of the campaign, farmer awareness programmes are being organized across various Blocks/ Villages to disseminate scientific knowledge on sustainable nutrient management practices.
During these programmes, experts from ICAR- KVK explained that balanced fertilizer use involves the application of nutrients based on soil testing and crop requirements, ensuring the correct proportion, timing and method of application of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and micronutrients. It was emphasized that balanced fertilization not only improves crop productivity but also enhances soil fertility and supports environmental sustainability.
Farmers were sensitized on the importance of:
•Soil test-based fertilizer application
•Maintenance of proper N:P:K ratio
•Split application of nitrogenous fertilizers
•Use of neem-coated urea
•Adoption of organic manures and bio-fertilizers
•Application of fertilizers near the root zone with adequate soil moisture
The campaigns highlighted that adoption of balanced fertilizer practices can significantly reduce input costs while increasing crop yields, thereby improving farmers’ income.
Experts further informed that the Government is actively promoting balanced nutrient management through various initiatives such as:
•Soil Health Card Scheme
•Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)
•Promotion of neem-coated urea
•Natural and organic farming initiatives
During the awareness programmes, Soil Health Cards were also distributed to the farmers and were encouraged to make effective use of these schemes and adopt scientific and sustainable agricultural practices suited to the agro-climatic conditions of the Islands.
The campaign is witnessing encouraging participation from farmers across all blocks, reflecting a growing awareness and willingness to adopt improved farming techniques.
Altogether, 1455 Nos. of beneficiaries have been actively participated in the awareness programme so far and these programmes are being continued till May i.e Pre-Monsoon season.