(a) whether the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural land is making the soil toxic which is causing diseases like cancer;
(b) if so, whether the Government has conducted soil-testing of the same;
(c) the details of the steps taken by the Government to check the same; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor along with the details thereof?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) & (b): There is no specific study regarding chemical fertilizers causing diseases like cancer done so far. However, there is no harmful effect if fertilizers are applied in a balanced judicious manner. Government has been recommending soil health test based use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and locally available organic manures like Farm Yard Manure, compost, Vermi Compost and Green manure etc. to maintain soil health and its productivity.
(c): The following steps have been taken by the Government to promote balanced use of fertilizers: -
(i) Soil Health Card Scheme has been introduced in year 2014-15 to assist State Governments to issue soil health cards to all farmers in the country. Soil health card provide information to farmers on nutrient status of their soil on 12 parameters along with recommendations on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and fertility. Soil status is assessed regularly every 2 years so that nutrient deficiencies are identified and corrective steps taken.
(ii) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is recommending 4Rs approach i.e. right quantity, right time, right mode and right type of fertilizers to reduce use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil health and fertility. In addition, split application and placement of fertilizers including neem coated area and nitrification inhibitors, growing leguminous crops, and use of Resources Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are also advocated. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also imparts training, organizes front line demonstrations to educate farmers on this aspect.
(iii) Financial assistance is provided under Soil Health card (SHC) for imparting the farmer’s trainings and field demonstrations on balanced use of fertilizers.
(iv) Regular awareness programmes to farmers on Integrated Nutrient Management have been initiated in a combined manner by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Department of Fertilisers (DoF).
(d): Does not arise.
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