Workshop on ‘Towards Carbon-Neutral Panchayats: Promoting Balanced Fertilizer Use for Grassroots Climate Action’ Organised by ICAR-KVK (CISH), Malda

24 April 2026, Malda

A one-day workshop on Towards Carbon-Neutral Panchayats: Promoting Balanced Fertilizer Use for Grassroots Climate Action was organized at ICAR–KVK (CISH), Malda on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, bringing together PRI members and farmers to deliberate on integrating local governance with climate-resilient agricultural practices. The programme highlighted the critical role of Panchayati Raj Institutions as drivers of grassroots climate action, acting as an effective interface between scientific institutions and farming communities.

Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, emphasized that the pathway to carbon-neutral Panchayats lies in the adoption of balanced and judicious fertilizer use anchored in soil test-based nutrient management. He underscored the importance of integrating organic and inorganic nutrient sources, alongside bio-fertilizers, to restore soil health, enhance productivity, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. He further stressed the need for strong institutional convergence among Panchayats, KVKs, and research bodies to empower farmers and ensure sustainable rural development.

Technical sessions focused on climate-smart cropping systems suited to local agro-ecologies, with a strong emphasis on reducing chemical dependency through eco-friendly and low-cost alternatives. Experts advocated the use of biofertilizers, including potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, and biocontrol agents to improve soil fertility and crop resilience. Deliberations also reinforced the principles of balanced nutrient management and need-based fertilizer application, cautioning against excessive input use, particularly in integrated farming systems involving aquaculture, to avoid ecological imbalances.

The workshop placed significant emphasis on the scientific utilization of locally available organic resources such as farmyard manure, oil cakes, and indigenous formulations, enabling farmers to reduce input costs while maintaining soil sustainability. The concept of carbon neutrality at the Panchayat level through efficient resource management and sustainable agricultural practices resonated strongly among participants.

To enhance practical understanding, demonstration posters on natural farming inputs such as Panchakavya, Jeevamrit, Gana Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Fish Amino Acid, Neemastra, Agniastra, and Dasparni Extract were displayed, generating active interest and engagement.

A total of 36 participants attended the programme, which concluded with a shared commitment to scale up these interventions at the grassroots level. PRI representatives were encouraged to take a proactive lead in promoting and disseminating these practices within their jurisdictions. The initiative by ICAR–KVK (CISH), Malda was widely appreciated as a forward-looking effort toward fostering sustainable, cost-effective, and climate-resilient Panchayats.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)