Lok Sabha Question No. 137 (STARRED), answered on 2019-02-12
Subject: Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: LAXMAN GILUWA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 137

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12/02/2019

## USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS

## *137.  SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  carried  out  any  research  to  ascertain  the  extent  to which the excessive use of chemical fertilizers destroys soil fertility and causes various types of diseases and other problems;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the level to which the quality of soil has reduced due to imbalanced use of fertilizer every year, State-wise;
- (c) the follow-up action taken by the Government on the findings of the said research;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  launched  any  programme/  campaign  to  create awareness amongst the farmers regarding the effects of imbalanced use of fertilizers and the need to use conventional and harmless fertilizers or the benefits of organic farming and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken to check the imbalanced use of fertilizers along with the outcome thereof and the details of the progress report after taking  these steps?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h (SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH)

(a) to (e)

:

A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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## STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) to (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 137 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12/02/2019 REGARDING 'USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS'

(a) & (b): Yes  Madam.  The  study  conducted  by  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural Research (ICAR) under All India Coordinated Research Project on 'Long-Term Fertilizer Experiments' in different centres located in  several States on various soil types (fixed locations)  under  dominant  cropping  systems  revealed  that  imbalanced  use  of  fertilizer over the years may cause multi-nutrient deficiencies in soil affecting soil health and crop productivity.  Even in plots receiving only NPK fertilizers, the deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients is observed. The limiting nutrients do not allow the full expression of other nutrients, thereby, lowering the fertilizer responses and crop productivity. Highest decline in crop yield was observed in plots receiving only nitrogen.

Besides, there is also possibility of nitrate contamination in groundwater above the permissible  limit  of  10  mg  NO 3 -N  /L  due  to  excessive  use  of  nitrogenous  fertilizers particularly in light textured soils that has consequence on human/animal health if used for drinking purpose.

(c) to (e): The  ICAR  has  recommended  soil  test  based  balanced  and  Integrated Nutrient  Management  (INM)  through  conjunctive  use  of  both  inorganic  and  organic sources (manure, biofertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients to prevent/reduce excessive use of chemical fertilizers. In addition, split application and placement of fertilizers, use of slow releasing N-fertilizers and nitrification inhibitors, growing leguminous crops and use of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are also advocated. The ICAR also imparts training, organizes front-line demonstrations etc. to educate farmers on all these aspects.

The  Government  under  the  component  of  soil  health  management  of  National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is promoting soil test based balanced and integrated  nutrient  management  in  the  country  through   judicious  use  of  chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro nutrients in conjunction with organic manures and bio-fertilizers for improving soil health and its productivity; up-gradation of skill and

knowledge of soil testing laboratory staff, extension  staff and farmers through training and demonstrations. Recently, a National Mission on Soil Health Card has been launched to provide soil test based fertilizer recommendations to all the farmers in the country.

The  Government  through  soil  health  management  component  of  National  Mission for  Sustainable  Agriculture  (NMSA)  and  National  Mission  on  Soil  Health  Card  is creating  awareness  amongst  the  farmers  regarding  the  effects  of  imbalanced  use  of fertilizers including need to use conventional and harmless fertilizers. Similarly, farmers are being educated regarding benefits of organic farming through Parampragat Krishi Vikas  Yojana (PKVY).  and Mission  Organic  Value  Chain  Development  for  North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) under NMSA.

The  Government under National Mission  on Soil Health Card Scheme is assisting States/UTs to  evaluate  soil  fertility  of  every  farm  holdings  across  the  country  so  as  to enable them to apply appropriate dosages of fertilizers. The  Government has set a target to  provide  soil  health  cards  to  all  the  farmers  in  the  country  every  2  years.  In  the  1st Cycle (2015-16 & 2016-17), 10.74 crore soil health cards were distributed to farmers and in the 2nd Cycle (2017-18 & 2018-19), 8.13 crore soil health cards have been distributed by State Governments/Union Territories to farmers as on 05.02.2019. 10825 soil testing laboratories of various types have been created / strengthened for the purpose.

The  Government is also implementing Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme since 2010 and promoting customized and fortified fertilizers for balanced use of fertilizers.

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