An awareness training programme on “Acid Soil Management and Balanced Use of Fertilizers” was successfully organized at Ranto village under Lathikata block of Sundargarh district. The programme was conducted by ICAR–National Rice Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI), Cuttack, in collaboration with Biotez Agrinovation Pvt. Ltd., under the SAFAR project titled “Economic and Environment-Friendly Utilization of Basic Slag and Fly Ash as Soil Amendments to Reclaim Acid Soils of Odisha: Waste to Wealth for Promoting Circular Economy (EAP 411)”, funded by the Government of Odisha.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 115 farmers, reflecting a growing awareness and keen interest in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The event was graced by distinguished experts and dignitaries, including Dr. P. Bhattacharyya, Principal Investigator and Head, CPD, ICAR-CRRI; Dr. Supriya Dash, Block Agriculture Officer, Lathikata; Dr. Winni Routray, Assistant Professor, Department of Food Processing Engineering, NIT Rourkela; and Dr. Shitarashmi Sahu, Director and Founder of Biotez Agrinovation Pvt. Ltd.

The session commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Rajalaxmi Sahoo, who provided a comprehensive overview of the SAFAR project and its objectives, emphasizing its role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable soil amendments.

Dr. Shitarashmi Sahu delivered an insightful presentation on biofertilizers, highlighting innovative approaches adopted by Biotez Agrinovation to promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

Dr. P. Bhattacharyya elaborated on critical aspects of soil health, with a focus on soil pH, the causes and consequences of soil acidity, and its impact on crop productivity. He underscored the importance of soil testing, scientific soil sample collection, application of Ecolime+ for acid soil amelioration, and the selection of appropriate paddy varieties based on land type and crop duration.

Dr. Supriya Dash emphasized the significance of green manuring, seed treatment practices, and the effective use of Ecolime+ in mitigating soil acidity—one of the major challenges confronting farmers in Odisha.

As part of the initiative, 100 Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers of Ranto village to encourage informed and scientific decision-making in agricultural practices.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session, where farmers actively shared their experiences and sought expert guidance on the long-term adoption of eco-lime and sustainable soil management techniques.

The training programme marks a significant step towards strengthening farmers’ knowledge systems and advancing sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in Odisha under the SAFAR project.

 

********

Swadhin Shakti Prasad/Manoj Kumar Jali

(Release ID: 2249415) Visitor Counter : 86