In a move to improve soil health and support farmer welfare, the government is set to implement stricter checks on fertilizer misuse and promote balanced application of these essential agricultural inputs. Union Fertilisers Minister J P Nadda announced these plans, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring timely fertilizer availability and preventing the diversion of fertilizers for non-agricultural purposes.
The announcement followed discussions at a Chintan Shivir held in New Delhi, where senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers, state governments, scientists, and industry representatives gathered to discuss key issues and strategies. The primary objective of the Shivir was to align government policies with the needs of farmers, ensuring that they remain at the center of all agricultural initiatives.
Nadda stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritized farmers in governance. He highlighted the Department of Fertilizers' success in meeting farmers' fertilizer requirements, even amidst challenging circumstances, achieving record production and managing necessary imports through farmer-friendly measures.
A key focus of the government's strategy is to tackle the overuse of chemical fertilizers, particularly urea, and promote more sustainable agricultural practices. Nadda has directed officials to intensify the implementation of the PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth). This initiative aims to encourage balanced fertilizer use, promote the adoption of alternative fertilizers, and support organic and natural farming methods. States that demonstrate a reduction in chemical fertilizer usage will be eligible for incentives under this program.
To ensure a seamless supply chain, Nadda has instructed officials to coordinate closely with state governments, fertilizer companies, Indian Railways, and port authorities. Indian fertilizer companies have also secured agreements with key exporters in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Russia to maintain consistent imports throughout the year.
The Chintan Shivir involved discussions on 15 key topics, including new age fertilizers, achieving self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, enhancing outreach and farmer awareness, improving the fertilizer ecosystem through digital means, and the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme. Participants included senior officials from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of the Department of Fertilizers, as well as representatives from cooperative societies and private companies.
Nadda also emphasized the need for strict action against the illegal diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilizers. He called for coordinated efforts with state governments to prevent these practices and ensure that fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries. Minister of State Smt. Anupriya Patel added that the Prime Minister envisions India becoming a hub of the global food basket and that the Chintan Shivir would generate ideas to help achieve this goal by 2047.
