(a) whether unscientific soil and crop management by the farmers is taking a heavy toll on the health of soil;
and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to maintain soil health and for
scientific fertilisation of soil in order to increase agricultural yield?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers coupled with low addition of organic matter and neglect
of secondary and micro nutrients has resulted in deterioration of soil health in many parts of the
country particularly in the intensively cultivated areas of Indo-Gangetic Plains.
(b): The Govenment has launched the `National Project on Management on Soil Health & Fertility` during
2008-09 to promote soil test based balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for improving soil health
and its productivity. The scheme includes setting up new static/moble soil testing laboratories,
strengthening of existing soil testing laboratories, training of soil testing laboratory staff/
extension officers/farmers, field demonstrations on balanced use of fertilizer, promoting use
of organic manures, soil amendments and micro nutrients.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also imparts training and organizes
field demonstrations to educate farmers on these aspects.