Management of Primary Plant Nutrients Achievements and Challenges

摘要

Application of primary plant nutrients (PPN) increased from 69.8 thousand tonnes in 1950-51 to 16.8 million tonnes (mt) in 2003-04,yet the consumption of PPN is quite skewed in India,38 high PPN application districts (out of a total of 514 districts) consuming 25% of the total PPN consumed in India in 2003-04.On the other hand 74 low PPN application districts consumed only 5-20 kg/ha.The increase in PPN consumption declined from 21% per annum during 1966-67 to 1970-71 to only 1.1% during 1997-98 to 2003-04.Foodgrain production in India increased from 50.8 million tonnes (mt) in 1950-51 to 212 mt in 2003-04 and was largely influenced by the increase in fertiliser consumption.However,the compound growth rate in the production of foodgrain during 1990-91 to 2000-01 showed a declining trend as compared to the period 1981-82 to 1989-90.To stem up the decline in the consumption of PPN and the growth rate of food production is a serious challenge to the agricultural scientists of the country.Balanced use of PPN,better agronomic management including better nutrient management practices,more reliable soil tests and development of integrated plant nutrient supply system are the ways to meet these challenges.Development of more efficient and customised fertilisers is another area which needs attention.Appropriate fertiliser policy encouraging the development of value added fertilisers with adequate financial support by the Government and active participation of the fertiliser industry with adequate funding is the need of the time.