The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, ShriDV Sadananda Gowda addressed at Valedictory Session of the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar on ‘New Approach to Fertilizer Sector’, here today. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, Shri K.S.Raju, Chairman, FAI, Shri Satish Chander, Director General, FAI and representatives of the industry were also present on the occasion.Speaking about the need to have self-sufficiency in domestic production of fertilizers, Shri Gowda said that India is a country of 1.3 billion people, which is set to rise to 1.5 billion by 2040. Providing food security tosuch a big population is prime responsibility of the Government, he added. The Minister said that fertilizers play an important role and act as an important input in agricultural production, so achieving self-sufficiency in domestic production is necessary. He added thatGovernment’s relationship with fertilizer industry is unique, as thesupport of the industry is required in enhancingfood security.Emphasizing on the role of fertilizers in food security, Shri Gowda said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called for reduction of use of chemical fertilizers by at least 10%. He added that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has started negatively impacting health of the soil.
The Minister said that the industry leaders should take a lead in organizing awareness campaign among farmers to promote balanced use of fertilizers. He informed that the Department in joint collaboration with M/o Agriculture will organize ‘khadkasahiupyog’ awareness campaign twice ina year before kharif and rabi season to sensitise farmers to use fertilizers as per recommendations of soil health card. The Minister emphasized upon the need for newer forms of fertilizers to be developed and introduced, which could be more effective than conventional fertilizers, and yet friendlier to ecosystem. He mentioned about the efforts of IFFCO in taking initiative to develop a newer form of fertilizers, which they call as ‘nano fertilizer’. He expressed happiness that these fertilizers will not only be more effective and environment friendlier, but also will also help in reducing subsidy burden of the Government.He said that thePrime Minister has also emphasized on the need for innovation & technology for accelerating progress.Shri Sadananda Gowda said that it is the Government’s effort that there is an adequate provision for fertilizer subsidy and payments to the industry are made promptly. The Minister said that we have also to keep in mind the fiscal limitation of the government.Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ramesh Chand stressed on optimum use of fertilizers and said fertilizer use should be accompanied with specified use of organic manure to replenish the organic matter of soil.