Central Institute for Cotton Research

27/05/2026

Campaign on Alternative Strategies for Balanced Fertilizer Management for Rainfed Cotton
Under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” (MGMG) program, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur, conducted a one-day National Awareness Campaign on the “Balanced Use of Fertilizers” at Wadegaon (Kale) in Kuhi Taluka of Nagpur District, Maharashtra, on 26th May 2026. The campaign witnessed active participation from 60 local farmers and Self-Help Group (SHG) women.
The campaign was chaired by MGMG Team Leader Dr. Vishlesh Nagrare, alongwith team members Dr. A. Manikandan, Dr. Narayan Borkar and Dr Joy Das. Other officials present included Mr. Dinesh Mahule, Mr. Vikram Fandi, and Mr. Manoj Taksande. Mr. Swapnil Raghatate and Mr. Krushna Pawar (Assistant Agricultural Officers, Kuhi Taluka), along with progressive farmer Mr. Tushar Barahate.
Dr. A. Manikandan stressed the critical role of soil health and its management in achieving sustainable cotton yields. He recommended regular soil testing for precise fertilizer application, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), the use of biofertilizers, crop rotation, and legume intercropping to enhance nutrient stewardship in rainfed cotton. He further explained how the use of micronutrients can improve specific fiber quality characteristics.
Dr. Narayan Borkar discussed on-farm machinery solutions covering the entire cotton production cycle, from land preparation to post-harvest operations. He specifically highlighted the application of fertigation and in-situ cotton stalk shredding for effective residue management.
Mr. Vikram Fandi elaborated on the 4R Nutrient Strategy (Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place), along with the benefits of green manuring and biochar production to enhance soil organic matter.
Dr. Vishlesh Nagrare emphasized that balanced nutrient management plays a vital role in reducing insect pest damage, improving crop health, and supporting eco-friendly insect management for sustainable cotton production. He also addressed pink bollworm control through effective post-harvest cotton stalk management to preserve fiber quality.

25/05/2026

Awareness Programme on Balanced Fertilizer Use and Soil Health was organized under the MGMG activities by ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, at Virugalpatti village in Gudimangalam Block on 20 May 2026. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers on balanced fertilizer use and sustainable soil health management in cotton cultivation under the present global agricultural scenario.

Scientists emphasized the importance of balanced and judicious fertilizer application based on soil test recommendations to improve crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and long-term soil fertility. The programme focused on integrated nutrient management practices, including the use of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers, organic manures, green manuring, crop residue recycling, and foliar nutrition in cotton cultivation. Special emphasis was given to the application of green manure and farmyard manure (FYM) for improving soil organic carbon, enhancing microbial activity, and maintaining long-term soil sustainability.

Experts also highlighted the role of foliar nutrition in correcting nutrient deficiencies and sustaining healthy crop growth. A total of 25 farmers participated in the programme. Scientists from ICAR-CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore, namely Dr. Gulsar Banu, Dr. R. Raja, and Dr. K. Shankarganesh, interacted with the farmers and delivered lectures on sustainable nutrient management and environmental sustainability.

20/05/2026

National Awareness Programme on Balanced Use of Chemical Fertilizers under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav Abhiyan at Village Narsula, Wardha.
Under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” programme, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research Nagpur organized an awareness programme on “Balanced use of chemical fertilizers” at Narsula village, Wardha on 19th May, 2026. The programme was attended by Dr. Jayant Meshram, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (DAPSC), along with Dr. Kishore Tribhuvan, Dr. M. Saravanan, and Mr. Vikram Fandi (YP-II) from ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research.Officials from the Department of Agriculture Maharashtra also actively participated in the programme, Dr. Jayant Meshram highlighted the objectives of the MGMG project and emphasized on balanced fertilizer use and sustainable soil health management. Dr. Kishore Tribhuvan explained the importance of soil testing, integrated nutrient management and intercropping. Dr. M. Saravanan shared information on cotton cultivation and crop management practices, while Mr. Vikram Fandi discussed the role of biochar and cotton shredding in improving soil health and reducing fertilizer use.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture Maharashtra attended the programme such as Taluka Agriculture Officer (TAO), Mr. Chandrashekhar Chavane, Circle Agriculture Officer Mr. Vilas Galande, Deputy Agriculture Officer Mrs. Ranjana Wankhade, Assistant Agriculture Officers Mr. Sachin Gomase and Mr. Tushar Bhoyar, and Cluster Assistant Ms. Vaishnavi Kamnampur. A total of 75 farmers (Male 50 & Female 25) attended and actively interacted with the scientists and agriculture officials. During the programme, Farmers were encouraged to adopt scientific nutrient management practices for improving crop productivity and maintaining soil health. Farmers were advised on soil test-based fertilizer recommendations, integrated use of organic manure, biofertilizers, cultivation of green manuring crops like sunhemp and dhainch, soil moisture conserving practices, crop residue management through biochar application, organic matter addition for improving soil health and productivity sustainably. The programme proceedings were anchored by Mr. Tushar Bhoyar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Ranjana Wankhade.

15/05/2026

ICAR-CICR organized a National Awareness Campaign under “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG)” at Rasulabad village, Arvi Taluka, Wardha district on the theme “Balanced Use of Fertilizers – Key to Prosperous Farming.”

Farmers were sensitized about the importance of balanced fertilizer application, soil testing, integrated nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices for improving soil health, crop productivity, and farmers’ income.

The programme emphasized the use of fertilizers based on soil test recommendations along with organic manures and bio-fertilizers for long-term agricultural sustainability.

🌾 Healthy Soil | Higher Production | Prosperous Farmers 🌾

13/05/2026

MGMG Visit to SS Kulam on 13.05.2026

An interdisciplinary team of scientists from ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR-CICR), Regional Station, Coimbatore comprising Dr P. Nalayini, Principal Scientist (Team Leader), Dr Isabella Agarwal, Principal Scientist, Dr M. Amutha, Principal Scientist, Dr A. Manivannan, Senior Scientist, and Dr A. Sampathkumar, Senior Scientist visited SS Kulam block of Coimbatore district on 13.05.2026 as part of the National Awareness Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers.

An interaction meeting was conducted with 34 farmers, including 26 male and 8 female farmers. Officials from ICAR-KVK Coimbatore, the Deputy Agricultural Officer, and representatives from BTMA and ATMA also participated in the programme.

Dr P. Nalayini introduced the campaign and highlighted the importance of balanced fertilizer use in the present geopolitical scenario. She emphasized Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for improving crop productivity, sustaining soil fertility, and maintaining soil health.

Dr Isabella Agarwal explained the economics of fertilizer management and stressed the importance of balanced fertilizer application for cost-effective input use. Dr M. Amutha elaborated on different fertilizers and their impact on plant health and pest resistance, advising farmers on the judicious use of fertilizers for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Dr A. Manivannan discussed the current fertilizer scenario in the country and stressed the incorporation of green manure and green leaf manure practices for sustainable soil health management. Dr A. Sampathkumar explained the significance of Soil Health Cards and the need for fertilizer application based on soil test results. He also informed farmers about biofertilizers and various nutrient mixtures available in the market.

Officials from ICAR-KVK, Coimbatore explained the procedures for collecting soil and water samples for nutrient analysis. The Deputy Agricultural Officer briefed farmers on various national and state government schemes available for agricultural benefits.

Farmers actively interacted with the officials and scientists, clarified their doubts, and expressed satisfaction with the guidance provided. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr A. Sampathkumar.

13/05/2026

नई दिल्ली में ‘मिशन SEHAT’ के शुभारंभ अवसर पर केंद्रीय कृषि एवं किसान कल्याण मंत्री Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan ने कहा कि यह पहल केवल एक कार्यक्रम नहीं, बल्कि भारत की समृद्ध परंपरा, पोषण विज्ञान और आधुनिक अनुसंधान के समन्वय का ऐतिहासिक प्रयास है। उन्होंने “पहला सुख निरोगी काया” की भारतीय अवधारणा का उल्लेख करते हुए कहा कि स्वस्थ शरीर ही जीवन के सभी उद्देश्यों की आधारशिला है।

उन्होंने “हितभुक, मितभुक और ऋतुभुक” सिद्धांत को भारतीय जीवनशैली का महत्वपूर्ण आधार बताते हुए कहा कि हमारे ऋषियों ने भोजन और स्वास्थ्य से जुड़े वैज्ञानिक सिद्धांत विकसित किए थे। उन्होंने कहा कि भोजन केवल शरीर ही नहीं, बल्कि व्यक्ति के विचार और व्यवहार को भी प्रभावित करता है। इसलिए “क्या खाएं” के साथ-साथ “क्या उगाएं” यह समझना भी आवश्यक है।

श्री चौहान ने कहा कि इसी सोच को साकार करने के लिए ICAR और ICMR ने मिशन SEHAT के माध्यम से कृषि और स्वास्थ्य को एकीकृत करने का संकल्प लिया है। उन्होंने बताया कि प्रधानमंत्री Shri Narendra Modi के नेतृत्व में भारत खाद्यान्न उत्पादन में 252 मिलियन टन से बढ़कर 357 मिलियन टन तक पहुँचा है। अब आवश्यकता केवल उत्पादन बढ़ाने की नहीं, बल्कि पोषणयुक्त और स्वास्थ्यवर्धक भोजन सुनिश्चित करने की है।

उन्होंने बायो-फोर्टिफाइड फसल किस्मों, ज्वार, बाजरा और रागी जैसी पारंपरिक फसलों के महत्व पर बल देते हुए कहा कि आज पूरी दुनिया इनके पोषण मूल्य को स्वीकार कर रही है। उन्होंने छोटे किसानों के लिए इंटीग्रेटेड फार्मिंग सिस्टम्स, प्राकृतिक खेती और किसानों के स्वास्थ्य एवं सुरक्षा को भी मिशन का महत्वपूर्ण आयाम बताया।

उन्होंने कहा कि कृषि अनुसंधान केवल प्रयोगशालाओं तक सीमित न रहे, बल्कि उसके परिणाम समयबद्ध तरीके से किसानों और आम जनता तक पहुँचें। उन्होंने विश्वास व्यक्त किया कि मिशन SEHAT बेहतर पोषण, बेहतर स्वास्थ्य और बेहतर जीवनशैली सुनिश्चित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाएगा।

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11 to honour India’s technological achievements and the contributions of scientists, engineers and innovators in nation-building.

At Indian Council of Agricultural Research, science and technology continue to transform Indian agriculture through climate-resilient crops, biofortified varieties, smart farming solutions and sustainable agricultural practices.

This year, ICAR is participating in VigyanTECH 2026, showcasing innovations that are empowering farmers, strengthening food and nutritional security, and shaping a resilient future for Indian agriculture.

08/05/2026

Awareness Programmes on Balanced Fertilizer Use and Soil Health were organized under MGMG activities by ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa, Haryana, at villages Alimohamad, Gusaiana, and Jogiwala, District Sirsa, on 08 May 2026.

The programmes focused on promoting balanced fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management (INM), use of biofertilizers and organic manures, soil test-based fertilizer application, green manuring, crop residue recycling, and sustainable soil health management in cotton-based cropping systems. Experts also emphasized the importance of foliar nutrition and drip fertigation for improving nutrient use efficiency and sustaining soil fertility.

A total of 164 farmers participated in the awareness programmes, including 64 farmers from Jogiwala, 43 from Gusaiana, and 57 from Alimohamad.

Scientists from ICAR-CICR Regional Station, Sirsa — Dr. Amarpreet Singh, Dr. Subhash Chandra, and Dr. O. W. Singh — delivered expert lectures and interacted with farmers on sustainable nutrient management practices for maintaining soil health and environmental sustainability.

08/05/2026

ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR-CICR) organized an awareness campaign on balanced use of fertilizers at Saliamendha Village under MGMG programme to educate farmers on efficient nutrient management for sustainable cotton production. The programme highlighted the importance of balanced fertiliser application, soil health management, and judicious use of nutrients for improving crop productivity and reducing input costs.