Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, emphasized the detrimental effects of excessive and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers on soil fertility and vitality. Speaking at the stakeholder Workshop on the Strategy for the Promotion of Alternative Nutrition, he stressed the importance of collective action by all stakeholders, including the government, to counteract the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on agriculture.
Dr. Mandaviya underscored the grave consequences of chemical fertilizers on human and animal health, citing increased disease burden in regions where excessive chemical fertilizers are employed. He highlighted the responsibility to enhance agricultural production while safeguarding soil fertility and the well-being of citizens. Dr. Mandaviya recognized the crucial role of scientists in developing solutions that promote both agricultural and soil productivity, urging them to communicate these solutions effectively to farmers.
Stakeholders and Government Collaborate for Sustainable Farming Practices
Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the workshop as an interactive platform to discuss and strengthen sustainable farming practices in India. He stressed the necessity of engaging all stakeholders to devise solutions that benefit farmers, protect the environment, and fortify the agricultural sector. Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of the Department of Fertilizers, highlighted recent government decisions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rejuvenating soil fertility.
Mr. Mishra shared details about PM PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth), a comprehensive initiative with a significant budget of Rs. 3,70,128 crores. PM PRANAM focuses on promoting natural and organic farming, revitalizing soil productivity, enhancing farmer incomes, and ensuring food security in the country. He also emphasized the role of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold) in addressing soil deficiencies and helping farmers reduce input costs while increasing agricultural incomes.
Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, lauded PM PRANAM as a historic decision. He acknowledged the need for sustainable agricultural practices to counterbalance the harm caused by chemical fertilizers, and emphasized the importance of collaboration with agricultural universities to effectively communicate the benefits of such schemes to farmers at the grassroots level.
