Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stressed the need that all stakeholders and government should work together to offset the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on agriculture. Speaking at a workshop on Strategy for Promotion of Alternative Nutrition to reduce dependence on Chemical Fertilizers for Soil Health and Sustainability in New Delhi on 8th July 2023, Saturday, Mr Mandaviya said, excessive use of nutrients in agriculture in an unbalanced manner has led to reduced soil fertility and vitality. He highlighted the negative grave consequences of chemical fertilizers on both human and animal health, as seen with increased disease burden in areas where excessive chemical fertilizers are used.
The Minister said, it is our responsibility to increase agricultural production, but at the same time we need to strengthen agricultural systems in a way that we do not compromise the fertility of soil, as well as the health of our citizens. In this, he highlighted the role of the scientists of the country, saying, we celebrate the scientists and their contribution to the nation, but now they have the responsibility of fulfilling the aspirations of the people for devising solutions that drives both agricultural, as well as soil productivity. Mr Mandaviya said, at the same time these solutions need to be shared in a way that can be understood and implemented by farmers.
Member NITI Aayog Prof. Ramesh Chand said, chemical fertilizers are easy to use, which is why people tend to overlook their negative impact and it is important that we use this workshop to discuss ways to strengthen sustainable practices in farming in India.
Fertilizers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra spoke of the recent decisions taken by the government to boost agricultural productivity, as well as rejuvenate soil fertility. He said, with an outlay of three lakh 70 thousand 128 crore rupees, the PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM PRANAM) aims to promote natural, and organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity, boost farmer incomes and ensure food security in the country. He further spoke of the increased role of Sulphur coated Urea, also called Urea Gold, which will not only address Sulphur deficiency of the soil in the country but also help farmers save input costs, and increase agricultural incomes.
Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja termed PM PRANAM as a historic decision and mentioned that as the production of fertilizers in the country has risen, so has the need for sustainable agricultural practices that can offset the harm caused by chemical fertilizers.
