As part of the nation-wide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, experts advocated balanced use of fertiliser and take up natural farming practices.

In a massive awareness drive attended by more than 200 farmers, scientists explained how over dependence on chemical fertilisers causes disturbance in nutrient balance and affect soil health. “Excessive fertiliser application contributes to water and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and ecological degradation”, said Dr Karthika K S, Senior Scientist and soil expert at CMFRI.

Integrating fisheries innovations, CMFRI demonstrated a range of indigenous technologies including, seaweed-based bio-fertilisers and biostimulants, organic manure Fishliser produced from fish waste and and Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based solutions for recycling biological resources.

During his inaugural address, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said these innovations could contribute to healthy soils, circular bioeconomy and environmentally responsible natural farming systems.

Experts pointed out that deteriorating soil health would also affect aquatic ecosystems and fisheries through nutrient runoff and environmental degradation. Use of BSF larvae as an effective fish feed and a sustainable solution for organic waste management was demonstrated during the event. Farmers were provided with BSF fertiliser and the larvae.

As part of the campaign, CMFRI’s scientific teams visited around 30 farming villages in Kerala with an aim to build community awareness on conservation of soil and aquatic resources through balanced fertiliser use. For the past two months, CMFRI scientists covered more than 1500 farmers in 12 districts in five states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.