Agriculture Extension Activities Undertaken by NFL during the Year 2020-21

Agriculture is the main source of income for the farmers which include their crops, animals and allied activities. Agriculture Extension Activities are being undertaken by NFL for educating farmers on efficient use of all agri-inputs along with total know how on improved and scientific methods of cultivation

Dealer Training Programme

Dealers/Retailers are important link between company and farmers and key change agents in motivating the farmers to use fertilizers in a balanced manner. 38 Dealer’s/Retailer’s Orientation Programmes were conducted and more than 2000 dealers/ retailers were facilitated by upgrading their knowledge regarding fertilizer/Agro products and improved crop practices so that latest information can be disseminated to farmers at point of purchase to the farmers. Information on Biofertilizers and City Compost has also been given by including this topic to each and every training programme.

One Day Farmer Training Programme

NFL has always laid importance for upliftment of farming community by educating them on various aspects of crop production, animal husbandary and other allied agriculture sectors.  32 farmer training programmes were organized during 2020-21 and more than 2100 farmers benefited. During these educational programmes, farmers were sensitized to issues related to soil fertility status including deficiency of various nutrients their remedy to increase fertilizer use efficiency and maximize yields. The farmers have also been educated on benefits of long term usage of Biofertilizers and City Compost through these programmes.

Two Days Residential Farmer Training Programme

Agriculture Universities, Research Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras are the knowledge center for latest farming techniques, new and high yielding crop varieties, innovative technologies in agriculture and allied agriculture sectors etc. During the year 2020-21, an opportunity was given to the farmers to practically visit the above places by organizing farmers visit to nearby agriculture university/research station/ KVK. More than 150 farmers benefitted through 4 programmes during the year 2020-21.

Field Demonstrations

During the year, 2020-21, 83, 76 and 74 demonstrations had been laid out at farmers field to demonstrate the long term effect of using Biofertilizers, City Compost, Bentonite Sulphur/Water Soluble fertilizers respectively on crop growth and yield as compare to farmer’s own practices. 

Soil Testing

NFL is playing a vital role in supporting farmers by undertaking soil analysis for major and micro nutrients through its 06 static and 04 mobile soil testing labs in various states. Based on the analysis, farmers are advised on soil fertility management through rational use of manure, fertilizers and other. During the year, more than 23,000 soil samples were analyzed for major and micro nutrients and recommendations given to the farmers.

To strengthen its soil testing services, 05 new Mobile soil testing Labs for the states of UP(1), MP(Bhopal 1 & Vijaipur 1 with AAS), Haryana (1) and Telangana (1) have been launched by NFL.

Promotional Campaigns

During the year 2020-21, NFL continued its endeavor to render soil testing services to the farmers doorstep by organizing soil testing campaigns. During these campaigns, services of our Mobile Soil Testing Vans and Laboratory staff were suitably utilized for collecting soil samples by demonstrating the correct method of sampling to the farmers and by offering on the spot soil analysis and advisory on the basis of soil test results. 23 such campaigns were organized in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, HP, J&K, UP, Bihar and Jharkhand and more than 4000 farmers benefitted by these programmes.

Krishi Mela and Exhibitions

Participation in agro exhibitions and university Kisan meals is very effective way to communicate directly with the farmers and also to interact with scientists and experts from various agricultural fields. During the year 2020-21, NFL participated in 15 krishi melas/agriculture exhibitions organized by leading agriculture universities, agriculture departments etc. in the states of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan and J&K.

Kisan Suvidha Kendra (KSK)

As per the guidelines of DoF and with the objective to provide all the agricultural inputs and services to all the farmers along with fertilizers under one roof along with Soil testing and advisory services, 100 Kisan Suvidha Kendras (KSK) were opened by NFL all across its marketing territory. Through the KSKs 55 Farmer training programmes were organized during the year 2020-21 and more than 3500 farmers benefitted. More than 64000 leaflets on NFL products and various crops were also distributed to farmers through various programmes organized in these KSKs.