ICAR hosts talks on fertilizer management

DIMAPUR: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, organized a State Stakeholders Meeting on “Present Status of Fertilizer Consumption and Strategies to Reduce its Application” on June 12.
The meeting brought together policymakers, scientists, academicians, extension personnel, and development agencies to discuss strategies for improving nutrient-use efficiency and promoting sustainable agriculture in Nagaland.
The programme was attended by joint secretary, Department of Agriculture, Limanenla, director of Agriculture, Sanuzo Neinu, director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun Dr. Girish Patel, dean, CoVS&AH, Nagaland Dr. I. Shakuntala Devi, dean, SAS, Nagaland University Dr. Pauline Alila, joint director, Directorate of Agriculture, Rosemary Ezung, along with scientists, KVK heads, State Agriculture officials, officials from line departments, and other stakeholders.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. H. Kalita, head of Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, emphasized the importance of balanced and judicious fertilizer use for sustaining agricultural productivity, improving soil health, and protecting the environment. He highlighted the need for Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the combined use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers, while stressing greater collaboration among research institutions, extension agencies, government departments, and farmers.
In his opening remarks, Sanuzo Neinu, underscored the importance of improving nutrient-use efficiency to ensure long-term food security, soil health, and farm profitability. He called for science-based interventions, farmer awareness, and coordinated stakeholder efforts to promote sustainable nutrient management across the state.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the “Draft State Action Plan on Fertilizer Consumption and Reduction Strategies” by head, ICAR-KVK Kiphire Dr. Lahar J. Bordoloi. The proposed roadmap focuses on promoting soil test-based nutrient application, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), production and use of bio-fertilizers, bio-inputs and Azolla, natural farming, cultivation of less nutrient-intensive crops, and precision farming technologies.
The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion, during which stakeholders shared recommendations on improving nutrient-use efficiency, strengthening soil health management, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and ensuring effective implementation of the proposed interventions.
During the discussion, Dr. Girish Patel emphasized the importance of integrated farming approaches in the hill ecosystems of Nagaland by integration of balanced use of fertilizers and highlighted the significant role of livestock in nutrient recycling and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. I. Shakuntala Devi underscored the importance of strengthening crop-livestock integration and promoting organic nutrient sources derived from animal husbandry systems. She highlighted the potential of livestock-based farming systems in enhancing soil fertility, supporting circular nutrient flows.