A comprehensive one-day training program for fertilizer sellers from across Bihar was held in Patna, where experts and officials strongly emphasized the critical need for implementing strict fertilizer quality control measures. The program highlighted that such controls are essential not only for enhancing crop production but also for preventing soil degradation and improving overall soil productivity in the long term.
Joint Initiative by CFQCTI and IFFCO
The training program was jointly organized by the Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQCTI) based in Faridabad and the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). The event took place on the campus of the Bihar Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (BAMETI) in Patna on a recent Saturday, bringing together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Key Objectives and Inaugural Address
Inaugurating the program, State Agriculture Director Saurav Kumar Yadav outlined the primary goals of the training. He stated that the initiative aims to strengthen fertilizer quality control mechanisms across the state. Additionally, it focuses on ensuring the timely availability of high-quality fertilizers to farmers at reasonable prices, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.
Yadav also underscored the importance of fertilizer committees in monitoring quality standards. He advocated for the balanced use of fertilizers and stressed the need to promote organic fertilizers among both sellers and farmers. This approach, he noted, would contribute to healthier soil ecosystems and more resilient farming systems.
Detailed Training on Fertiliser Control Order
Chief Trainer Ravindra Yadav provided an in-depth elaboration on various provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO). His session covered regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements that fertilizer sellers must adhere to, ensuring that products meet established quality benchmarks.
Ashok Kumar Paliwal, IFFCO's State Fertilizer Distribution Manager, expressed confidence that the training would significantly help in promoting the sale of quality fertilizers throughout Bihar. He highlighted IFFCO's commitment to supporting farmers with reliable and effective agricultural inputs.
Separate Initiative on Quality Seeds
In a related development, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav announced that various corporations and agencies are actively working to produce and supply quality seeds to the state's 17.79 lakh farmers. This initiative covers both the Rabi and Kharif seasons, aiming to enhance crop yields and support agricultural sustainability across Bihar.
The training program in Patna represents a significant step towards improving agricultural inputs and practices in the region. By focusing on fertilizer quality control and promoting organic alternatives, it addresses key challenges in soil health and crop productivity, ultimately benefiting farmers and the broader agricultural economy.
