From Lab to Field: CRRI Trains Fertilizer Dealers to Bring Bio-Revolution to Odisha Farms 
In a significant push to transform sustainable agriculture across Odisha, ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, organized a two-day intensive training programme for registered fertilizer dealers from Cuttack and Puri districts on February 10 and 11, 2026. The initiative aims to build a robust, last-mile supply chain for CRRI’s scientifically developed bioinoculants and bio-inputs directly linking cutting-edge agricultural research to the farming community.
Conducted under the theme “Developing a Model Supply Chain for CRRI-Quality Bioinoculants,” the one-day sessions brought together fertilizer dealers and farmer producer companies (FPCs) as key partners in accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural inputs. Dealers from Cuttack participated on February 10, followed by those from Puri district on February 11.
Expert-led sessions covered CRRI’s flagship bio-products ENDO N, ENDO NPK, Trichoderma, and Tech Decomposer along with commercialization guidelines, product handling best practices, and strategies for effective market outreach. The sessions were delivered by leading scientists including Dr. Upendra Kumar, Dr. A.K. Mukherjee, Dr. Panneerselvam, Dr. Sai Krishna Repalli, and Shri Munael Mohanty.
A total of 92 fertilizer dealers and FPCs holding valid fertilizer licenses participated across both districts, reflecting strong grassroots enthusiasm for biofertilizer adoption. Many expressed a keen desire to formally partner with ICAR-CRRI in marketing and distributing CRRI bio-products within their local networks.
Highlighting the strategic role of dealer networks, Dr. A.K. Mukherjee, Co-PI of the project, underscored that fertilizer dealers are indispensable to building a reliable supply chain that ensures CRRI biofertilizers reach the hands of farmers effectively and affordably.
The training programmes were conducted under the ‘Jaiva-Poshak’ Project of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha, which focuses on reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting soil health in rice-based farming systems. The initiative is part of ICAR-CRRI’s broader commitment to empowering dealers as frontline partners in delivering sustainable, research-backed agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.
The programmes were coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Upendra Kumar (Course Director) and Dr. A.K. Mukherjee and Dr. Sudipta Paul (Course Co-Directors), with the overarching goal of strengthening the supply chain for CRRI biofertilizers and decomposers across Odisha.
ICAR-CRRI reaffirms its dedication to farmer outreach and sustainable agriculture by equipping dealers with the knowledge and tools needed to champion a green, bio-input-driven future for Odisha’s rice fields.
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