Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertilizers To Enhance Agricultural Sustainability in India
A Nagpur-based company has developed technology for producing Water-Soluble Fertilizers, reducing India’s reliance on imports. This innovation promises enhanced agricultural practices, improved cost stability for farmers, and alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The expected impacts include increased crop yields and sustainability in farming.
A research and development company based in Nagpur has achieved a significant milestone by developing domestic technology for producing Water-Soluble Fertilizers (WSFs). This advancement could lessen India’s dependency on imports, which amounted to 3.5 lakh tonnes worth Rs 2,000 crore in fiscal year 2023-24, primarily sourced from China. The indigenous production satisfies the needs of the agricultural sector while supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
WSFs are vital for cultivating high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, enhancing nutrient efficiency, and conserving water. Given that India previously lacked local production for essential WSFs like Calcium Nitrate and Mono Ammonium Phosphate, farmers remained exposed to fluctuating prices and supply constraints. The new manufacturing process employs locally sourced minerals, fostering stability and reducing reliance on foreign products.
The anticipated economic and agricultural enhancements from this breakthrough are considerable. Establishing a steady local supply of WSFs is expected to lower costs, lessen the government’s fertilizer subsidy burden, and bolster farming resilience. Data indicates significant benefits from WSF usage; for instance, banana farming has seen a 35% reduction in water consumption and profit increases of up to Rs 98,000 per hectare, while tomato cultivation reported similar patterns.
Rajib Chakraborty, National President of the Soluble Fertiliser Industry Association (SFIA), stated that this development marks a pivotal change for Indian agriculture. “By reducing dependence on costly imports and ensuring a stable supply of high-quality fertilizers, we are creating a more sustainable farming ecosystem,” he emphasized. The production of indigenous WSFs is likely to enhance agricultural resilience and food security in the long run.
In FY 2023-24, India produced approximately 112.62 million metric tonnes of fruits and 204.96 million metric tonnes of vegetables. Farmers utilizing WSFs have cut their reliance on subsidized urea and DAP by 30-90%, promoting more efficient and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. However, prior limited availability of WSFs forced farmers back to traditional fertilizers, incurring higher costs and inconsistent yields.
With commercial production of locally manufactured WSFs imminent, India is progressing toward a self-sufficient and stable fertilization framework. This development not only fortifies the agricultural supply chain but also has the potential to conserve substantial foreign exchange, simultaneously endorsing sustainable farming methods.
The introduction of domestically produced Water-Soluble Fertilizers signifies a transformation in Indian agriculture, as it reduces dependence on imports and stabilizes costs for farmers. The potential benefits include enhanced crop yields, water conservation, and overall resilience in farming practices. As commercial production commences, the agricultural sector stands to gain greatly, fostering sustainability and economic efficiency.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
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