India’s leading agricultural experts have voiced support for a mission aimed at substituting at least 25% of the nation’s current mineral fertilizer usage with organic alternatives within the next three years. During a gathering organized by The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), M.L. Jat, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Research and Education, highlighted the necessity of this shift to diminish reliance on imports and enhance soil health.
Jat underscored the importance of initiating a Mission Mode Programme to endorse Integrated Nutrient Supply and Management (INSAM) while diminishing the reliance on chemical fertilizers, which are detrimental to the country’s soil health. With India’s annual consumption of nearly 33 million tonnes of fertilizers, a considerable portion of which is imported, reducing import dependence has become a critical priority.
Efforts to address this challenge necessitate a holistic approach encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. Emphasizing initiatives like Soil Health, advocating for balanced and need-based fertilizer application, and raising awareness among farmers are crucial steps in this endeavor. Leveraging modern technologies such as precision nutrient management, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based systems can optimize fertilizer utilization.
