CRRI Conducts Biofertilizer Training Programme for Farmer Producer Companies at Rajmal Village in Jharsuguda
Jharsuguda: A training programme on CRRI biofertilizers for Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) was organised at Rajmal village under Kolabira block of Jharsuguda district under the innovative project “Production, Popularisation & Supply of Quality Bioinoculants in Rice-Based Cropping & Farming System of Odisha (Jaiva Poshak)” funded by the Government of Odisha.
The programme was also conducted as an integral part of the “Mera Gaon Mera Gourav” initiative of ICAR and DAFE, New Delhi, focusing on the balanced use of fertilizers. The event was organised in association with Social Education for Women’s Awareness (SEWA).
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Biswajit Mondal, Principal Scientist, who highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Dr. Sudipta Paul, Senior Scientist, explained the importance of NRRR-Endo N, stating that it can reduce nitrogen fertilizer requirements by up to 25%.
Dr. Raghavendra Goud, Scientist, emphasized the urgent need to shift from harmful chemical fertilizers to eco-friendly biofertilizers and shared scientific natural farming methods for balanced fertilizer use. Dr. Samir Ranjan Dash, Head of KVK Jharsuguda, discussed agricultural practices in Kolabira block and stressed the importance of reducing chemical fertilizer dependency.
Dr. Anuj Kumar Rai, Scientist at KVK Jharsuguda, spoke about the role of quality seeds in improving crop production and explained the potential of Azolla as a biofertilizer. Dr. Sai Krishna Repalli, Research Associate, demonstrated the use of Trichoderma as a biostimulant and NRRI Tech Decomposer for efficient decomposition of rice straw.
The programme was facilitated by project staff and Technician Sri Amit Kumar Maity, while Sri Ravindra Behera of SEWA moderated the session.
Around 55 farmers of Janghalinga Mahila Farmers Producer Company Limited, including 34 women and 21 men, along with SEWA project staff, benefited from the programme. Farmers also interacted with scientists regarding the effective application of CRRI biofertilizers in rice and vegetable cultivation.
