(a) whether the Government has evolved any system/mechanism to educate the farmers so that they can reduce the use of fertilizers;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) the average fertilizer consumption in the country during each of the last three years in various States particularly in Maharashtra; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government for balanced use of fertilizers in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION {SHRI KANTfLAL BHURIA):
(a) and (b) Government is promoting `Integrated Nutrient Management` (1NM) which includes
soil test based balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with
organic fertilizers, like farm yard manures, green manure, phospho compost, vermicompost,
bio-fertilizers, etc. to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) is also advocating greater use of eco-friendly organic
fertilizer to reduce the use of inorganic chemical fertilizers.
(c) The average fertilizer consumption in the country during last three years, i.e.
during 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 are 92.83, 86.06 and 89.82 Kg/ha receptively
and that of Maharashtra are 75.6, 75.3 and 65.7 Kg/ha respectively of the same period.
(d) In order to promote balanced use of fertilizers in the country, the Government
is promoting Balanced & Integrated Use of Fertilizers. In addition, ICAR is also
undertaking the following activities:
# Developed ready reckoners for soil test based fertilizer recommendations to achieve
the desired yield target.
# Prepared soil fertility maps at national (Secondary and Micro nutrient) and state
(Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) levels.Developed INM packages for different crops under
various agro-ecological regions of the country.
Generated information for correcting micro and secondary nutrient related problems in soil
plant system under All India Coordinated Projects and Micro and Secondary nutrients.
Organized training programmes and Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) to promote Integrated
Plant Nutrient Supply in deficient areas.