CMFRI conducts community awareness against indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has carried out a community awareness initiative against growing threats of excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers. As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, experts advocated balanced use of fertilizer and take up natural farming practices.

In an awareness drive attended by more than 200 farmers, scientists explained how over dependence on chemical fertilizers causes disturbance in nutrient balance and affect soil health. Excessive fertilizer application contributes to water and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and ecological degradation, said Karthika K S, senior scientist and soil expert at CMFRI.

Integrating fisheries innovations, CMFRI demonstrated a range of indigenous technologies including, seaweed-based bio-fertilzers and bio-stimulants, organic manure fertilizer produced from fish waste and black soldier fly (BSF)-based solutions for recycling biological resources.

Grinson George, Director, CMFRI Director, said these innovations could contribute to healthy soils, circular bio-economy 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 fertilizer and the larvae.

CMFRI aims to increase mariculture production through technology adoption

CMFRI’s scientific teams visited around 30 farming villages in Kerala with thea aim of building community awareness on conservation of soil and aquatic resources through balanced fertilizer use. For the past two months, CMFRI scientists have reached more than 1,500 farmers in 12 districts in five States — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.