ICAR- CIWA Bhubaneswar

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 #𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗗𝗮𝘆!
Today, we celebrate the power of local action to drive global change.
From communities to countries, every effort counts in protecting life on Earth.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁. 𝗔𝗰𝘁. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲.
Biodiversity exists all around us — in crops that nourish us, pollinators that support food production, forests that regulate climate, and ecosystems that sustain life. Conserving biodiversity is essential for ensuring food security, environmental resilience and a sustainable future.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 – Observe and appreciate the biodiversity around you.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 – Engage with local communities and conservation efforts.
𝗔𝗰𝘁 – Adopt sustainable practices and contribute to protecting natural resources.
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 – Spread awareness and inspire others through your actions.

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.

The ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture organized a five-day training programme on “Strengthening Agriculture Research with Gender Perspective for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems” from 4th to 8th May 2026 for Nodal and Co-Nodal Officers – Gender Research in Agriculture (NO-GRA). The programme was attended by 30 participants from various ICAR institutes across the country to strengthen capacities for mainstreaming gender perspectives into agricultural research, education and extension systems. The participants were benefitted though lectures, practical sessions, group activities and interactions on gender-responsive agricultural research and extension approaches, the National Information System for Women in Agriculture (NISWA), integration of gender perspectives in climate-smart agriculture and gender-sensitive extension models etc. Different sessions were held on gender inclusive research approaches, emphasizing social norms, institutional practices for enhanced women’s participation and leadership in agriculture.

ICAR-CIWA organized a village-level awareness and farmer interaction programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers on 13 May 2026 in a Collaborative Mode at Motibhunabot village under Kheda district of Gujarat. The programme focused on the strategic integration of green manuring and biomass recycling for ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming systems. During the Kisan Goshthi, detailed discussions were held on the importance of incorporating green manure crops and recycling on-farm biomass for improving soil organic matter, enhancing nutrient availability, conserving soil moisture, and sustaining soil productivity under changing climatic conditions. Farmers/farm women were also sensitized on the role of crop residue recycling and locally available organic resources in reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and improving overall soil health. The interaction also included experiences sharing on Natural Farming practices i.e., use of organic inputs and eco-friendly farming approaches for maintaining soil fertility and resilience in crop production systems. The programme was conducted in an interactive and participatory manner.

A village-level awareness programme on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers” was organized on 12 May 2026 at Deulapokhari village under Balipatna block of Khordha district under the nationwide outreach initiative coordinated by the ICAR–CIWA, Bhubaneswar. The programme focused on promoting the use of organic sources and biofertilizers for sustainable nutrient management and improved soil health. Farmers were sensitized on integrating organic inputs such as compost, farmyard manure, vermicompost, and biofertilizers for enhancing soil fertility, improving nutrient-use efficiency, and reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers. Discussions also highlighted the role of biofertilizers in improving microbial activity and sustaining long-term soil productivity. The session was conducted interactively, encouraging farmers to share their experiences and concerns related to nutrient management practices. A total of 30 farmers, including both men and women, actively participated in the programme and expressed interest in adopting eco-friendly and sustainable nutrient management approaches in their farming systems.

A village-level awareness and farmer interaction programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers was organized on 11 May 2026 at Denga village under Balipatna block of Khordha district by ICAR–CIWA, Bhubaneswar. The programme focused on the strategic integration of green manuring and biomass recycling for ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming systems. During the Kisan Gosthi, detailed discussions were held on the importance of incorporating green manure crops and recycling on-farm biomass for improving soil organic matter, enhancing nutrient availability, conserving soil moisture, and sustaining soil productivity under changing climatic conditions. Farmers/farm women were also sensitized on the role of crop residue recycling and locally available organic resources in reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and improving overall soil health. The interaction also included experiences sharing on Natural Farming practices i.e., use of organic inputs and eco-friendly farming approaches for maintaining soil fertility and resilience in crop production systems.

A village -level sensitization and capacity-building programme on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers in crop management” was conducted on 10th May 2026 at village Kantabania of Kanas block of Puri district. In the training programme the farm women learned about 16 different plant nutrients like, CHO, primary nutrients N.P.K., Secondary nutrients such as Ca. Mg. S. and about other micro nutrients, their role in plant growth and development deficiency symtom, organic source of plant nutrient such as use of FYM, vermicompost, neem cake, groundnut cake and Inorganic source of plant nutrient such as use of chemical fertilizer. The farm women were suggested to use more and more quantity of organic manure, cultivation of Daincha before rice, legume crop after rice crop. The farm women were advised to apply recommended dose of NPK and split application N in rice crop.

One village-level sensitization and capacity-building programme on “Balanced Use of Fertilizers in crop management” was conducted on 9 May 2026 at village Chhotijodi of Kanas block of Puri district. In the training programme the farm women learned about 16 types plant nutrients like, CHO, primary nutrients NPK, secondary nutrients such as Ca. Mg. S. and about other micro-nutrients, their role in plant growth and development and deficiency symptom, organic source of plant nutrient such as use of FYM, vermicompost, neem cake, groundnut cake and inorganic source of plant nutrient such as use of chemical fertilizer. The farm women were advised to use more and more quantity of organic manure, cultivation of daincha before rice, legume crop after rice crop. The farm women were also taught to apply recommended dose of NPK and split application of N in rice crop.

A field-level sensitization program on "Balanced Fertilizer Application" was conducted in Badatota Village, Satyabadi Block, Puri District, Odisha, India, targeting farm women to enhance awareness of balanced fertilizer use for sustainable crop production. Participants received instruction on fertilizer application guided by soil testing and crop-specific nutrient demands. Discussions covered the physiological roles of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients in optimizing soil fertility and crop productivity.
Farm women engaged actively, sharing prevailing fertilizer application practices. They were apprised of adverse effects from excessive or improper chemical fertilizer use, including soil degradation, elevated production costs, and environmental contamination.

Training programme on “Vermicomposting for Chemical-free Farming in Homestead Area by Women Farmers” was successfully conducted in the village Rabanesahi of Nimapara block of Puri district of Odisha with the participation of 33 farmers, including 26 women farmers. The programme focused on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices through scientific vermicompost production in homestead areas. Demonstration and hands-on training were provided on important aspects such as site selection, preparation of biomass, application of cowdung slurry, moisture and aeration management, release of earthworms, identification of maturity of vermicompost, and harvesting techniques. A Kisan Gosthi and interactive question–answer session were also organized to address farmers’ queries and encourage knowledge sharing. In addition, an awareness programme on balanced use of fertilizers was conducted to promote judicious nutrient management for improving soil health and crop productivity.