Community Outreach and Training Programme on Sustainable Nutrient Management and Soil Healthat Querim, Ponda

An interdisciplinary training-cum-awareness programme was organized at Querim, Ponda, under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) initiative, specifically targeting the adoption of balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agricultural practices on 29 April 2026. The programme was successfully conducted by a team of experts including Dr. Shripad Bhat, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics), Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology), and Mr. Rahul Kulkarni, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Soil Science), ensuring a holistic approach to farm management. The event was supported by the active presence of the officials from the Village Panchayat of Querim, demonstrating a collaborative effort between scientific institution and local governance to drive grassroots behavioral change.The session witnessed active participation from 20 progressive farmers, includinng10 male and 10 female farmers. The primary objective of the programme was to educate farmers on the judicious application of fertilizers to prevent excessive chemical usage while maintaining soil fertility and productivity. Mr. Rahul Kulkarni provided technical insights into soil health management and the importance of soil-test-based applications, while Dr. Shripad Bhat emphasized the economic advantages of improving input-use efficiency to enhance overall farm profitability.Integrating a "One Health" perspective, Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware sensitized the participants on the critical linkages between soil quality and livestock health, explaining how balanced soil nutrition serves as a preventative measure against mineral deficiencies in cattle. Farmers were also introduced to alternative agricultural practices, including biomass recycling and the application of organic amendments like vermicompost and Jeevamrut, to reduce their dependency on chemical fertilizers. By facilitating this direct interaction between scientists, local officials, and the farming community, the programme successfully disseminated evidence-based advocacy for the long-term ecological and economic sustainability of the agricultural ecosystem in Querim.