Basar, June 19, 2026: A Stakeholders’ Meeting on “Current Status of Fertilizer Usage in Agriculture and Strategies to Reduce its Application in Arunachal Pradesh” was organized in hybrid mode by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar, on 19th June 2026. The meeting brought together policymakers, scientist, academician, extension personnel and development agencies to discuss strategies on improving nutrient-use efficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Arunachal Pradesh.
        The programme was attended by Mrs Toggul Pertin Perme, Director of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh (online); Shri Nokliam Sumnyan, Joint Director (MCP), Government of Arunachal Pradesh (online); Shri Maze Piel, Deputy Director (PP), Government of Arunachal Pradesh (online); Shri B. Taggu, Agriculture Development Officer Government of Arunachal Pradesh (online); Dr. B.P. Singh, Head, DTAC, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam (online); Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK West Siang; Dr. Rita N., SMS (Plant Breeding), KVK West Siang; Dr. Utpal Barua, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Namsai; Dr. Debasis Sasmal, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Anjaw; Dr. Utpal Kumar Bhattacharya, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Longding; Dr. Lige Bagra, District Veterinary Officer, Leparada; Ms. Bhanu Riba, Assistant Soil Conservation Officer, West Siang; Shri Jumli Karga, District Fisheries Development Officer, Leparada; Shri Jarny Yomcha, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Leparada; Smt. Kari Kamum Basar of M/S M.A. Enterprises, Leparada; Shri Eja Rumi from the Range Forest Office, Leparada; representatives of the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Assistant Soil Conservation Office and Range Forest Office, ArSRLM, input dealers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), progressive farmers, and scientists of ICAR AP Centre, Basar.
        The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. S.K. Pandey, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), who highlighted the significance of the meeting and the need for a coordinated approach to ensure balanced nutrient management in the state. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Ampee Tasung, Scientist (Soil Science), who outlined the objectives and proposed action plan for assessing fertilizer usage patterns and developing strategies for reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers.
        Dr. Doni Jini, Head (i/c), ICAR AP Centre, Basar, emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer use for sustaining agricultural productivity while safeguarding environmental health. He also provided an overview of fertilizer management practices during the Rabi and Kharif seasons and underscored the need for efficient nutrient-use practices.

        Dr. B.P. Singh highlighted the significance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) and the initiatives undertaken by ICAR to promote quality food grain production through judicious fertilizer use. He stressed the importance of collecting baseline information on fertilizer types, application doses, and soil quality parameters for formulating location-specific fertilizer recommendations in Arunachal Pradesh. He further urged KVKs and the Agriculture and Allied Departments to take proactive initiatives for data collection and analysis for preparing a comprehensive action plan.
        Smt. Toggul Pertin Perme, Director of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, addressed and informed the gathering that six districts of the state recorded comparatively higher use of chemical fertilizers, particularly districts bordering Assam. She also shared various government initiatives aimed at reducing chemical fertilizer use through integrated nutrient management (INM), biofertilizers, composting, vermicomposting, and soil test-based nutrient management practices.
        Shri Maze Piel, Deputy Director (PP), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, presented that although the state is largely organic by default, certain commercial crops such as oil palm and tea require judicious application of chemical fertilizers to sustain productivity. He assured that the government is actively promoting balanced fertilizer use through scientific soil testing and nutrient management approaches. Shri Jarny Yomcha, SDAO, Leparada district suggested conducting more awareness and training programmes on natural and organic farming. He further emphasized the importance of crop rotation and diversified farming systems in maintaining soil fertility and ecological balance. Smt. Kari Kamum Basar, an input dealer from Basar Market, informed the house that fertilizer consumption in Leparada district remains comparatively low and that farmers predominantly use DAP followed by urea.
        Representatives of farmers and FPOs, including Shri Yumka Doyom and Shri Nyomar Nyodu, stated that most farmers in Leparada district practice natural farming, particularly in paddy cultivation. They also sought technical guidance for managing insect infestations in agricultural crops. Ms. Bhanu Riba, Assistant Soil Conservation Officer, presented the ongoing soil conservation programmes and explained their implementation at the field level. Ms. M. Karlo from ArSRLM highlighted the potential of biofertilizer and vermicompost production in reducing chemical fertilizer use and suggested establishing community-level biofertilizer production units and conducting more field demonstrations.
        Dr. Lige Bagra, District Veterinary Officer, Leparada elaborated on the role of livestock-based farming systems in maintaining soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture. He also highlighted the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides and weedicides on the livestock sector, particularly dairy and goat farming. Shri Jumli Karga, DFDO, Leparada, emphasized the importance of balanced and responsible fertilizer application to sustain agricultural productivity while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and allied sectors. Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK West Siang, spoke on various farming systems for improving soil fertility and advocated the adoption of green manuring and diversified farming practices. He cautioned against long-term monocropping and stressed that integrated farming approaches are essential for maintaining soil health and productivity.
        The programme proceedings were documented by the rapporteurs, namely Dr. B.K.D. Borah, Senior Scientist; Dr. P.K. Zeliang, Senior Scientist; Dr. T. Angami, Senior Scientist; and Dr. R.A. Alone, Scientist, ICAR AP Centre, Basar. In the concluding remarks, Dr. Doni Jini urged all stakeholders to work in convergence mode for developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on balanced fertilizer use and soil fertility management in Arunachal Pradesh. The meeting was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Joken Bam, Senior Scientist, ICAR AP Centre, Basar, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable suggestions and active participation in charting a sustainable pathway for nutrient management and agricultural development in the state.