Manda: Over 100 grassroots farmers were provided with fertilizer recommendation cards to encourage the judicious use of fertilizers for higher yields and environmental protection. The distribution took place at Shah Agriculture Information Library in Kaligram village, Manda Upazila, Naogaon district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Divisional Office of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) as part of its 'Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory (MSTL) programme'. The SRDI Director General, Dr. Samia Sultana, addressed the participants as the chief guest, emphasizing the importance of balanced fertilization to safeguard soil health from further degradation. The event was chaired by AKM Aminul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of the SRDI Divisional Laboratory.
Dr. Sultana highlighted the necessity of promoting balanced fertilization as a crucial strategy for enhancing crop production while preserving soil health. She stressed the importance of educating grassroots farmers on soil test-based fertilization, suggesting that such knowledge could prevent fertilizer crises in the country.
Dr. Nurul Islam, another SRDI Principal Scientific Officer, cautioned against excessive fertilization, which can lead to pest infestations, crop diseases, and soil fertility imbalance. He warned of the detrimental effects of overusing fertilizers like TSP, DAP, and Potash, which can damage soil health and reduce crop quality and market value.
The Soil Health Expert advocated for raising awareness among farmers about using appropriate and balanced fertilizers to boost productivity and protect public health. Dr. Islam explained that the MSTL programme provides site-specific soil testing and fertilizer recommendations directly to farmers, encouraging them to apply fertilizers based on their soil's specific needs.
AKM Aminul Islam pointed out that the decreased use of organic matter and leguminous green manure contributes to soil degradation. He emphasized the importance of soil test-based fertilization in maintaining soil properties favorable for plant growth.
Beneficiary farmers at the event were provided with information on detecting adulterated fertilizers, sample analysis, and available mobile soil test laboratory facilities. They also received guidelines on using fertilizers effectively to improve soil productivity and prevent degradation.