Cut down use of chemical fertilisers, adopt alternative manures and natural farming: Mandaviya

Excessive use of chemical fertilisers affects soil fertility and also has side effects on human and animal health, Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said and stressed the need to promote alternative manures such as nano liquid Urea-DAP. The chemical and fertiliser minister was addressing a "Stakeholder workshop on strategy for promotion of alternative nutrition to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers for soil health and sustainability' in New Delhi.

The workshop was attended by vice chancellors of agricultural universities, state agriculture officers, manufacturers and distributors, farmer groups and NGOs, besides senior officials from the ministry of agriculture, ministry of chemicals and fertilisers, and Niti Aayog.

"The side effects of over consumption of chemical fertilisers are visible now. Soil health has been impacted," Mandaviya said, adding that the growth in production and productivity has stagnated. Citing a medical study in few districts where usage of chemical fertilsers are high, the minister said it was found that there are negative impacts on health of human as well as animals.

He highlighted that the the government has recently approved a new scheme PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) to incentivise states to promote alternative fertilisers and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers. It has also decided to introduce sulphur-coated urea (Urea Gold) in the country for the first time to address sulphur deficiency in the soil. That apart, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an outlay of Rs 1,451 crore subsidy to promote organic manure.

Mandaviya emphasised that all stakeholders and the government should work together to offset the negative impact of chemical fertilisers on agriculture. He stressed on the need to create awareness among farmers about the negative impact of chemical fertilisers. The minister spoke about the need to promote alternative fertilisers, like nano liquid urea and nano liquid Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and adopt organic and natural farming.

Mandaviya said there is no negative impact of nano-fertilisers. Cooperative major IFFCO has introduced nano-Urea and nano-DAP in the market. He complimented farm scientists for their contribution in the growth of agriculture sector and asked them to take new research and innovations to farmers in such a way that they can be easily implemented.

NITI Aayog member Prof Ramesh Chand said, "Chemical fertilisers are easy to use, which is why people tend to overlook their negative impact. It is important that we use this workshop to discuss ways to strengthen sustainable practices in farming in India. It is an interactive platform, and the active participation of all stakeholders is necessary to make it fruitful."

Chand emphasised on improving efficacy of chemical fertilisers, promoting use of alternative fertilisers, balancing use of organic and inorganic fertilisers and also generating wealth from waste by better management of crop residues. The NITI Aayog member said the use of nano fertilisers should be promoted and if there are any limitations that can be addressed.

Secretary, Department of Fertilisers Rajat Kumar Mishra spoke of the recent decisions taken by the government to boost agricultural productivity and rejuvenate soil fertility, while Secretary Agriculture Manoj Ahuja spoke about the need for sustainable agricultural practices that can offset the harm caused by chemical fertilisers.