Soil testing and balanced fertilizer application are essential for maintaining soil health, improving crop productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production, agricultural experts said at the Mandya District Cooperative Conference held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka.

Dr. C. Ramachandra, Director of Extension at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Mandya, emphasised that farmers should test their soil and water to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements and apply fertilizers in the recommended quantities. He cautioned that excessive and unnecessary fertilizer use increases cultivation costs and can negatively affect soil fertility and crop yields.

The conference was organised in collaboration with UAS Mandya, ICAR-KVK and the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). Dr. C. Narayanaswamy, IFFCO’s State Marketing Manager in Bengaluru, highlighted the cooperative’s role in supporting farmers since 1967. He said IFFCO’s regional office in Mandya would improve access to fertilizers, technical guidance and information on integrated nutrient management.

Dr. Narayanaswamy also noted that dependence on imported raw materials for chemical fertilizer production can influence manufacturing costs. He encouraged farmers to assess nutrient requirements through soil testing and use chemical and biofertilizers appropriately.

Dr. Atifa Munavvari, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, V.C. Farm, highlighted the importance of conserving soil health and maintaining fertility as India produces approximately 376 million metric tonnes of food. The conference focused on soil and water testing, organic and biofertilizers, balanced nutrient application and scientific farming practices.

More than 80 farmers, including women farmers and rural youth from different taluks of Mandya district, participated in the programme, reinforcing the importance of sustainable farming practices and long-term soil conservation.