Improving efficiency of fertilizer use in India

Source: The post “Improving efficiency of fertilizer use in India” has been created, based on “Improving efficiency of fertilizer use in India” published in “The Hindu” on 19th May 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Economy

Context: India faces rising food demand and increasing fertilizer consumption. Domestic fertilizer production is insufficient, making the country dependent on imports, especially for urea and phosphatic fertilizers. Excessive and imbalanced fertilizer use has created economic, environmental, and agricultural problems. Therefore, improving fertilizer efficiency has become essential for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Challenges Related to Fertilizer Use in India

1. Heavy Dependence on Imports

1. India relies heavily on imported fuel and fertilizers.
2. The country lacks sufficient mineral rock phosphate, which is important for phosphatic fertilizers.
3. High import dependence increases fiscal burden and affects self-reliance.

2. Excessive Subsidy Burden

1. The government spends heavily on fertilizer subsidies to maintain low prices for farmers.
2. A large share of subsidies does not translate into improved efficiency or productivity.

3. Imbalanced Nutrient Use

1. Indian agriculture is dominated by nitrogen-based fertilizers, especially urea.
2. Farmers prefer urea due to government support and lower prices.
3. Overuse of nitrogen and underuse of phosphorus and potassium disturb soil nutrient balance.

4. Declining Soil Health

1. Excessive fertilizer use depletes soil organic matter and micronutrients.
2. This reduces long-term soil fertility and productivity.

5. Environmental Degradation

1. Fertilizer misuse causes air and water pollution.
2. Ammonia volatilization from urea contributes to air pollution.
3. Phosphate fertilizers pollute water bodies.
4. Imbalanced fertilizer use increases greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

6. Policy Distortions

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies encourage cultivation of rice and wheat.
2. These crops consume large amounts of fertilizers.
3. Pulses and millets receive comparatively less policy support.

Measures to Improve Fertilizer Efficiency

1. Promote Balanced Nutrient Management

1. Farmers should use fertilizers based on soil requirements.
2. Balanced use of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients should be encouraged.

2. Increase Use of Organic Alternatives

1. Biochar produced from agricultural residue and biogas plants can improve soil health.
2. Compost and manure should be promoted to restore soil nutrients.

3. Encourage Crop Diversification

1. Pulses and millets require less fertilizer and improve soil fertility.
2. Pulses also fix nitrogen naturally in the soil.
3. Diversification can reduce excessive dependence on water-intensive crops.

4. Reform MSP and Procurement Policies

1. Greater procurement support should be provided for pulses and millets.
2. This will encourage farmers to shift away from fertilizer-intensive crops.

5. Adopt Efficient Fertilizer Technologies

1. Neem-coated urea should be promoted to reduce nitrogen loss.
2. Precision farming and improved application techniques can reduce wastage.

6. Improve Recycling of Agricultural Waste

1. Crop residue recycling should be encouraged instead of stubble burning.
2. Agricultural waste can be converted into compost and biochar.

7. Strengthen Institutional Coordination

1. Inter-ministerial coordination is necessary for integrated nutrient management.
2. Recommendations of committees such as the NITI Aayog panel should be implemented effectively.

Conclusion: Improving fertilizer efficiency is essential for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and food security in India. Balanced fertilizer use, crop diversification, promotion of organic alternatives, and policy reforms can reduce import dependence and improve soil health while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Question: Discuss the challenges related to fertilizer use in India and suggest measures to improve fertilizer efficiency for sustainable agriculture.

Source: The Hindu