Question : USE OF ALTERNATIVE MANURE

(a) whether excessive use of fertilizers by farmers leads to nutrient loss and drop in productivity;

(b) if so, whether farmers have been educated to restrict the use of fertilizers;

(c) whether alternative manure like vermicompost helps to improve soil conditions and is being used in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue to the farmers as a result thereof;

(e) whether steps are being taken to encourage the use of other alternative non- chemical fertilizers so as to protect the top soil, restore the sustainability of productive soil and to ensure phased decline in the use of fertilizers; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.58 DUE FOR REPLY ON 7TH JULY, 2009.

(a): There are studies which indicate that imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers, and without any application of organic manures affected soil health and productivity in some parts of the country.

(b): Yes, Madam. Farmers are advised and trained to adopt integrated nutrient management involving judicious application of chemical fertilizers.

(c): Yes, Madam.

(d): Use of organic manures such as vermi-compost reduces the requirement of chemical fertilizers with additional benefits to soil health such as improved organic carbon and microbial load.

(e) & (f): Following steps have been taken to encourage use of organic manures and biological fertilizers:

(i) Under the National Project on Organic Farming, use of organic manure and biological fertilizers is promoted through training, demonstration and awareness programmes. To increase availability of organic and biological fertilizers, 25% back-ended subsidy is provided for establishment of fruit/vegetable market waste compost units and vermi-compost and bio- fertilizer production units.

(ii) Under the National Project for Management of Soil Health and Fertility, assistance is provided for promotion of organic manures @ Rs.500 per hectare.

(iii) Under National Horticulture Mission, there is special focus on promotion of organic farming.

The use of organic manure and biological fertilizers to improve soil health etc. as a supplement to increase in balanced use of chemical fertilizers is required to increase crop yield to meet the requirement of the country’s food production targets.