Question : USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS IN AGRICULTURE

(a) whether usage of chemical fertilizers/ urea in agriculture has adverse impact on the fertility of soil, water, human and environment in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the remedial measures taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has launched awareness progra- mme to educate the farmers regarding rational utilisation of chemical fertilizers in agriculture and to savethe farmers from the adverse effect of chemical fertilizers, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to encourage investment in producing biofertilizers in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a) & (b): There is no scientific evidence of declining soil/crop productivity from judicious use of chemical fertilisers. However, indiscriminate and imbalanced use of fertilizers coupled with low addition of organic matter over years may result into multinutrient deficiencies as nutrient removal is greater than the addition. There is also the possibility of contamination of ground water due to excessive use of nitrogenous fertilisers, particularly in light textured soils, that has consequence on human health if used for drinking purpose.

(c): Government is recommending soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjuctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrient manage- ment to sustain good soil health and higher crop productivity.

Under Soil Health Management (SHM) component of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), financial assistance for training to farmers including field demonstrations on balanced used of fertilisers is provided @ Rs.10,000 per training for 20 or more participants. Financial assistance for frontline field demonstrations is also provided @ Rs. 20,000 per demonstration.

(d) & (e): Under National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) there is a provision of financial assistance in Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) through NABARD for establishment of biofertilizer/ biopesticides production units (200 TPA) in which subsidy is provided @100% to State Government upto a maximum limit of Rs 160.00 lakhs per unit & @ 25% of cost limited to Rs.40 lakhs to individuals/ private agencies.