As part of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a one-day training programme on “Balanced Fertilizer Use for Sustainable Onion Production: A Farmer Awareness and Capacity Building Campaign” was organized at ICAR–Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (ICAR-DOGR), Pune on 9 June 2026. A total of 32 farmers from five villages—Nimgaon (Junnar Taluk), Pargaon, Mangrul, and Parner (Parner Taluk), and Bahulgaon (Khed Taluk)—participated in the programme.

Dr. Rajiv Kale, Senior Scientist, welcomed the participants. Dr. A. Thangasamy, Principal Scientist and Course Director, briefed the participants about the objectives and schedule of the training programme. Dr. Shailendra Gadge, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (SCSP Project), highlighted the activities being implemented under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) project.

Dr. Ram Dutta, Director (Acting), ICAR-DOGR, Pune, addressed the farmers and emphasized the significance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, balanced fertilizer use, sustainable onion and garlic production, and the role of organic sources and natural farming practices in reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers.

The training programme primarily focused on balanced fertilizer use in onion and garlic cultivation. Dr. A. Thangasamy delivered a comprehensive lecture on nutrient management in onion and garlic. He also discussed organic farming, natural farming, integrated nutrient management practices, and the role of organic manures and biofertilizers in reducing chemical fertilizer use.

Dr. Sanket More delivered a lecture on onion nursery preparation, while Dr. P. S. Soumia and Dr. K. Jayalakshmi presented sessions on pest and disease management, respectively. Following the lectures, farmers were provided with a practical demonstration on kharif onion nursery bed preparation.

During the valedictory session, 34 Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers from Pune and Ahilya Nagar districts. In addition, five farmers were selected under the SCSP project for demonstration of kharif onion production technologies and were supplied with seeds of the onion variety Bhima Super.

Furthermore, 10 farmers for late kharif onion and 27 farmers for rabi onion were selected from these villages for conducting demonstrations on soil test-based balanced fertilizer use in onion cultivation.

Farmers who had successfully adopted the integrated nutrient management and drip fertigation technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR DURING 2025-2026 shared their experiences with fellow participants. These farmers reported savings of approximately 50% in irrigation water and fertilizer use, along with a reduction of two to three pesticide sprays. They also achieved nearly 100% higher yields compared to their previous crops and the yields recorded in nearby fields during the current season.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rajiv Kale, Course Coordinator and Senior Scientist, ICAR-DOGR, Pune.