Govt puts ball on scientists to ensure higher crop production without soil health damage
after Announcing the PM-PRANAM Scheme With the aim of reducing chemical fertilizers, the government has asked scientists to find a solution so that soil health is not harmed at the same time as crop production is increased.
Speaking at a formal discussion, NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand said, “Chemical fertilizers 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 promote sustainable practices in agriculture in India.
“Active participation of all stakeholders is essential to make it fruitful,” Chand said, adding that solutions must be put in place for agricultural productivity that will ensure the well-being of farmers, protect the health of the environment as well as boost the agricultural sector.
Addressing the stakeholder workshop on “Strategy for Promoting Alternative Nutrition to Reduce Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers for Soil Health and Sustainability,” Fertilizer Minister Mansukh Mandavia said that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has affected soil fertility and also has side effects on humans and humans. animal health. He stressed the need to promote alternative fertilizers such as nano-urea and nao-DAP, although both are chemical fertilizers but have lower crop nutrient content than traditional granule bags.
An official statement said the workshop was attended by vice-chancellors of agricultural universities, state agricultural officials, manufacturers and distributors, farmer groups and NGOs, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Niti Ayog.
“It is our responsibility to increase agricultural production, but at the same time we need to strengthen agricultural systems in a way that does not harm the fertility of the soil, as well as the health of our citizens,” Mendavia said.
The minister pointed out that the excessive use of nutrients in agriculture in an unbalanced manner has led to a decrease in soil fertility and vitality: “It is imperative that all stakeholders and the government work together to offset the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on agriculture.”
“We celebrate the scientists and their contribution to the nation, but now they have the responsibility to fulfill the aspirations of the people in creating solutions that drive soil productivity as well as agriculture,” said Mandavia. Scientists were asked to share solutions in a way that could be understood and implemented by farmers.
The Cabinet recently approved a new plan called PM-PRANAM (Prime Minister’s Program for the Restoration, Education, Generation, Nutrition and Improvement of Mother Earth) to motivate countries to promote nano- and bio-fertilizers. It also decided to introduce sulfur-coated urea (urea gold) to treat sulfur deficiency in the soil. Besides, subsidy of Rs 1,451 crore has been approved for the enhancement of compost.