Kisan Gosthi on role of biofertilizers in sustainable soil health management and reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers

ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, under the aegis of ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa organised a Kisan Gosthi on role of biofertilizers in sustainable soil health management and reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers at Ugavem, North Goa, on May 10, 2026. The programme was conducted under the National Campaign on Soil Health Management and Balanced Use of Fertilizers. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers about the importance of biofertilizers in maintaining soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. During the technical sessions, experts highlighted the growing significance of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture and explained various types of biofertilizers, including nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, potassium-solubilizing microorganisms, zinc-solubilizing microorganisms, and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Experts also demonstrated different methods of biofertilizer application, such as seed treatment, seedling treatment, soil application, and enrichment of organic manures using beneficial microbial cultures. Farmers were informed that biofertilizers improve soil fertility by enhancing soil organic matter and stimulating microbial activity. The experts explained that microbial inoculants help convert insoluble nutrients into plant-available forms by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and solubilizing phosphorus and potassium, thereby ensuring a steady nutrient supply while reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers. The programme also highlighted that biofertilizers improve soil structure, aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient-use efficiency, thereby helping to sustain soil health under Goa’s high-rainfall conditions. Farmers actively participated in discussions and expressed keen interest in adopting biofertilizer-based nutrient management technologies in their farming systems. A total of 31 participants, including 9 male and 22 female farmers, attended the programme and benefited.