NAAS Holds Brainstorming Session To Chart Out Fertilizer Self-Reliance Roadmap

New Delhi, Apr 15 (KNN) The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) organised a brainstorming session to develop a roadmap for achieving self-reliance in fertilizers, bringing together representatives from government, academia, industry and farmer groups.

Addressing a press conference, M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said the agricultural sector will play a pivotal role in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. He noted that while fertilizers were central to the Green Revolution, the current challenge lies in declining efficiency and indiscriminate usage.

Highlighting India’s annual fertilizer consumption of around 33 million tonnes, with a significant import component, he stressed the need to reduce dependence through a comprehensive strategy spanning short, medium and long-term measures. Strengthening soil health, promoting balanced nutrient application and increasing farmer awareness were identified as key priorities.

The discussions emphasised leveraging advanced technologies such as precision nutrient management, artificial intelligence and sensor-based systems to optimise fertilizer use. Participants also highlighted the importance of crop diversification towards pulses and oilseeds, recycling organic waste under waste-to-wealth initiatives, and expanding the use of biological alternatives.

A multi-pronged strategy was proposed during the session, focusing on research and development of alternative fertilizers, utilisation of indigenous mineral resources, improved composting techniques and enhancement of nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The need to promote good agricultural practices, integrate organic and chemical inputs, and restore soil health was also underlined.

Participants recommended launching a mission-mode programme on Integrated Nutrient Supply and Management (INSAM), with a target to replace at least 25 per cent of mineral fertilizer use with organic sources over the next three years. Strengthening technology transfer through digital platforms was also highlighted to ensure wider adoption.

The session further called for a paradigm shift in fertilizer policy, including bringing urea under the nutrient-based subsidy framework, linking subsidies to soil health cards, and exploring direct benefit transfers to farmers. Concerns were raised that subsidised urea often leads to overuse, while relatively expensive phosphatic and potassic fertilizers remain underutilised.

An official statement said that India’s fertilizer sector continues to face high import dependence, particularly for phosphorus and potassium, contributing to a substantial subsidy burden and inefficiencies in nutrient utilisation. The proposed roadmap, it noted, is expected to guide policy and research efforts towards achieving long-term sustainability and self-reliance in the sector.

(KNN Bureau)