Bhubaneswar, July 2: Maintaining soil health and improving soil quality through the balanced use of organic and inorganic nutrients is essential for sustaining agricultural productivity, said Dr. Sashikumar, Chief of the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Regional Centre, Bhubaneswar.
He was addressing farmers and representatives of NGOs at an awareness programme organised under the Government of India'sKhet Bachao Abhiyan at the ICAR-CTCRI Regional Centre, Dumduma, on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sashikumar stressed the importance of integrated nutrient management for enhancing soil fertility and long-term crop productivity. He also highlighted the latest hybrid coconut varieties and explained the recommended scientific practices for nursery management, plantation establishment, nutrient application, and plant protection. In addition, he informed farmers about various Government of India schemes aimed at promoting coconut cultivation.
Dr. C. R. Satpathy, retired Emeritus Professor of OUAT, spoke on the living nature of soil and underscored the crucial role of bees as natural pollinators in improving crop productivity and increasing yields.
The programme was organised with the active support of two NGOs—Agency of Welfare Activities for Rural Development (AWARD) and Association for Sustainable Welfare Initiatives (ASWINI). The event provided farmers with an opportunity to interact directly with agricultural experts from different disciplines and seek solutions to their farming-related queries.
A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of Dr. M. Nedunchezhiyan, Head of ICAR-CTCRI, in recognition of his 33 years of dedicated service to Odisha's farming community. Throughout his career, he travelled extensively across the state, creating awareness about the importance of tuber crops and encouraging farmers to adopt improved varieties in both accessible and remote areas. His humility, scientific expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to farmers have earned him widespread respect among scientists, extension workers, and the farming community.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. M. Nedunchezhiyan, Head, ICAR-CTCRI; Dr. Sashikumar, Deputy Director, Coconut Development Board; Dr. B. Sudhanand, Deputy General Manager, PPL; Dr. C. R. Satpathy, Retired Emeritus Professor, OUAT; and Dr. G. C. Acharya, Head, ICAR-IIHR-CHES, Bhubaneswar.
Scientist Dr. S. K. Jata and Dr. Arut Selvan of ICAR-CTCRI, along with Sri Bishnu Mishra, an entrepreneur incubated by CTCRI, coordinated the programme. Dr. M. Nedunchezhiyan welcomed the dignitaries and introduced them to the gathering.
