Sri Vijaya Puram, April 29: A large-scale agricultural awareness campaign across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has reached 1,455 farmers, promoting balanced fertilizer use to improve crop yields and reduce input costs ahead of the pre-monsoon season.
The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture in association with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), has been underway since April 1, 2026, and will continue until May 4, covering villages across all blocks of the islands. The campaign focuses on disseminating scientific approaches to nutrient management tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
Officials said the programme aims to address concerns over improper fertilizer usage by encouraging farmers to adopt soil test-based applications and maintain optimal nutrient balance. Experts from ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) have been conducting sessions explaining that balanced fertilization involves applying Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and micronutrients in correct proportions, timing, and methods based on crop requirements and soil health.
During the sessions, farmers were guided on key practices such as maintaining appropriate N:P:K ratios, adopting split application of nitrogen fertilizers, and using neem-coated urea to enhance efficiency. Emphasis was also placed on integrating organic manures and bio-fertilizers into farming practices, along with applying fertilizers near the root zone under adequate soil moisture conditions.
Officials highlighted that adopting these methods can significantly improve soil fertility while increasing agricultural productivity. The campaign also stressed that balanced fertilizer use contributes to environmental sustainability by preventing soil degradation and nutrient imbalance.
The programme includes distribution of Soil Health Cards to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions based on soil nutrient status. Authorities urged farmers to actively use these cards and align their practices with scientific recommendations.
The campaign also aligns with ongoing government initiatives such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS), promotion of neem-coated urea, and support for natural and organic farming practices.
Participation levels have been reported as encouraging across multiple blocks, indicating growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of scientific nutrient management. Officials noted that the campaign is expected to have a direct impact on farm productivity and income by reducing unnecessary fertilizer expenditure.
With activities continuing through the pre-monsoon period, the administration aims to ensure wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the islands.
