Awareness on green manuring and green leaf manuring for sustainable soil health management organized by ICAR-KVK, CCARI, North Goa

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra North Goa, under the aegis of ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa organised an awareness campaign on green manuring and green leaf manuring for sustainable soil health management on May 5, 2026. As part of an intensive campaign on the balanced use of fertilisers, the programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about the importance of eco-friendly soil enrichment practices for improving soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, and ensuring long-term sustainability in agriculture. The campaign emphasised the role of green manuring and green leaf manuring as effective alternatives to chemical fertilisers for maintaining soil health. During the programme, experts explained the concept and benefits of green manuring using crops such as Sunhemp and Dhaincha, along with other fast-growing leguminous crops that are incorporated into the soil before the flowering stage. These crops enrich the soil with organic matter and biologically fixed nitrogen, thereby enhancing nutrient availability for subsequent crops. In the case of green leaf manuring, experts highlighted the application of green leaves and tender twigs collected from trees and shrubs such as Gliricidia and Neem. This practice provides an immediate source of organic nutrients and contributes to improved soil structure and enhanced microbial activity. The sessions also focused on the role of green manuring and green leaf manuring in reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers, lowering input costs, and mitigating environmental degradation. Additionally, these practices help suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and improve overall crop productivity and quality. Experts further emphasised that integrating such sustainable practices is particularly important in the lateritic soils of Goa to maintain soil health and enhance resilience in farming systems. The awareness campaign was attended by 14 participants and was coordinated by Dr. Nivya K R, Dr. Udharwar S.V, Mr. Rahul Kumar, and Dr. N. Bommayasamy.