Arresting Increasing Fertiliser Demand through Integrated Nutrient Supply System

摘要

Fertilisers have played a significant role in the development of the agricultural sector in India but ever increasing consumption of NPK fertilisers couldn't sustain agricultural production and so the desired profits. The escalating prices of fertilisers and raw materials in global markets have made it necessary to search for alternative and renewable resources of nutrients. Organic manures which were once the only source of plant nutrient supply became neglected with the advent of easily available fertilisers at low price. Unbalanced nutrient supply through fertilisers neglecting organic manures caused incidence of multiple nutrient deficiencies, soil degradation, decline in productivity and also the quality of natural resource base. An all out effort is, therefore, needed to chalk out action plan to make best use of all nutrient resources i.e. fertilisers, organic manures, crop residues, biofertilisers and industrial wastes in different cropping systems which will help in not only sustaining high yielding agriculture through enhanced nutrient supply, and improved chemical, physical and biological properties of soils but also help arresting increasing demand of fertilisers. At least 25% of the total nutrient needs of India can be managed with organic manures, crop residues, biofertilisers and industrial wastes. IFFCO through its "All India Soil Rejuvenation and Productivity Enhancement Project" have successfully demonstrated integrated use of nutrients and related technology in enhancing the crop productivity. These results however, need to be replicated by like minded organisations to ensure food security to the Indian population.