ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, successfully launched a national awareness campaign on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers” under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) Programme” across selected districts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha from 24 April to 25 June 2026. Dedicated teams of scientists from ICAR-IIPR and its Regional Centres/Stations, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs), conducted extensive awareness and extension activities among farming communities.

The campaign covered major agricultural districts including Unnao, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Mainpuri, Bahraich, and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh; Belagavi in Karnataka; Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh; Bikaner in Rajasthan, and Khordha in Odisha, ensuring extensive regional participation and outreach among farming communities. A total of 1,626 farmers participated in the programmes, while digital advisories shared through WhatsApp groups and other media (particularly through newspapers) benefited more than 10,000 farmers across the states. The campaign effectively leveraged both physical and digital platforms to enhance farmer outreach and promote scientific knowledge on balanced fertilizer use.

The campaign promoted scientific nutrient management practices, including soil testing, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), crop diversification, green manuring, biofertilizers, residue recycling, micronutrient management, and natural farming approaches. Special emphasis was placed on pulse-based cropping systems and the role of pulses in biological nitrogen fixation for reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Interactive farmer-scientist sessions and practical demonstrations on green manure crops such as Dhaincha, Cowpea, and Moong helped strengthen farmer awareness on balanced fertilizer use, soil health conservation, environmental sustainability, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Overall, the campaign played a significant role in strengthening farmer awareness regarding scientific fertilizer use, soil health conservation, environmental sustainability, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices for long-term agricultural development.