Barpalli Farmers Embrace Biofertilizers and ‘Khet Bachhao Abhiyan’ to Restore Soil Fertility 
Transitioning away from intensive chemical farming, a vital field demonstration program on CRRI Biofertilizers coupled with an interactive Kisan Ghosthi for progressive farmers rolled out across Dhirpur and Barangpalli villages of Barpalli block today, June 19, 2026. This collaborative institutional campaign was executed in partnership with the Ahinsa Farmer Producer Company Limited (AFPCL) under the state-funded project “Production, Popularisation & Supply of Quality Bioinoculants in Rice-Based Cropping & Farming System of Odisha” (Jaiva Poshak). Operating in alignment with the national “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” initiative, the field day aimed squarely at driving down chemical dependency while safeguarding regional soil microbial ecosystems. The two village sessions achieved excellent community turnout, training 47 and 49 local cultivators respectively in sustainable farm management.
The technical layout brought together a diverse group of agricultural scientists and administrative heads to deliver localized solutions. Leading the expert panel, Program Coordinator Dr. Upendra Kumar, Senior Scientist, demonstrated how integrating CRRI Biofertilizers can systematically substitute synthetic chemical fertilizers. Dr. Lalatendu, Scientist, College of Agriculture OUAT, Chiplima, provided actionable guidance on suitable agronomic practices with balanced use of fertilizers, while Dr. Nrusing Barik, Head KVK Bargarh, shed light on eco-friendly plant protection measures, biocontrol insect pest control measures, and the long-term disadvantages of excessive chemical usage.
Local ground realities were addressed by Sri Dilip Kumar Majhi, BAO Barpalli, who reviewed existing agriculture practices at Barpalli block and urged an immediate switch over from chemical fertilizers to biofertilizers, supported by Sukdev Moharana, Block Technology Manager, Barpalli, who spoke on the multi-fold advantages of biofertilizers. The campaign also received strong local governance backing with the active participation of Sarpanch Binaya Gartiya. Special guest Sri Dhiraj Kumar Pradhan, Nominee of the MLA, shared an analytical overview of the current agricultural situation of Bargarh district, validating the stringent requirement for a widespread transition to bioinoculants. To close the sessions, Dr. Sai Krishna Repalli, Research Associate, conducted practical field demonstrations on the correct application methods of biofertilizers. The dual-village events were moderated by Sri Siba Prasad Sahoo, Secretary of Ahinsa Club, alongside Lalajee Jhankar, and successfully coordinated by the project staff.
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