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Fertiliser Policy Reset: Why India Needs a New Approach

1 July 20251 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALFertiliser PolicyReset: Why IndiaNeeds a NewApproach1 July 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Experts called in July 2025 for a fresh national fertiliser policy, since imports and skewed nutrient use strain farms and the budget.

Key facts

  • Second-largest consumer globally; about 30% still imported, so supply shocks bite.
  • Nitrogen is over-applied by 67.5% and phosphorus by 35%.
  • Use efficiency is low: nitrogen 30-35%, phosphorus 15-20%, potassium 50-60%.

Concerns

  • Wasted nutrients cause soil degradation, groundwater pollution and nitrous oxide emissions.
  • Subsidy design rewards urea overuse; India is said to be repeating China’s pre-2015 errors.

Way forward

  • Promote bio- and nano-fertilisers; crop-wise doses guided by soil health cards.
  • Train farmers via mobile advisories and demonstrations.
  • Use AI, remote sensing, GIS and blockchain for traceability.
  • Support agri-startups, CSR funds, and DBT to farmers rather than manufacturers.
  • Raise domestic output and tap indigenous nutrient sources.

Exam angle

  • Recommended ratio 4:2:1; subsidy reform means DBT to farmers.

Test yourself

1. According to the fertiliser policy discussion, what is the recommended N:P:K usage ratio for Indian soils?

The recommended ratio is 4:2:1, whereas actual use is 6.7:2.7:1.

2. Which nutrient has the lowest use efficiency (15-20%) in Indian fertiliser application?

Phosphorus efficiency is 15-20%, nitrogen 30-35% and potassium 50-60%.

3. What was India's FY24 fertiliser subsidy outlay, as cited in the discussion on a new fertiliser policy?

The total FY24 subsidy was ₹1.75 lakh crore, of which urea was ₹1.31 lakh crore.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 1 July 2025 (15 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJuly 2025

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