New Delhi, Feb 19: In a move aimed at strengthening participatory governance and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers reached out to young agricultural professionals to address the growing challenge of soil degradation in the country.

Secretary (Fertilizers) Rajat Kumar Mishra on Wednesday held a virtual interaction with nearly 100 agriculture graduates working with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF).

The discussion centred on the adverse impact of excessive and imbalanced use of urea, which officials said has contributed to nutrient deficiencies, declining soil carbon levels and deterioration of soil health in several regions.

Focus on Balanced Fertilization and Scientific Nutrient Management

During the interaction, Mishra stressed the urgent need to promote balanced fertilization practices and integrated nutrient management to restore soil vitality and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. He underlined that while the government ensures fertilizer availability, preventing soil damage caused by overuse must now become a priority.

“We are taking feedback day and night,” the Secretary said, describing young field-level professionals as a critical link between farmers, fertilizer companies and policymakers. He added that consultations have also been held with eight Padma Shri awardees to strengthen outreach efforts.

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Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision that “farmers are our VIPs,” Mishra said protecting farmers’ interests through soil health awareness and responsible fertilizer use remains central to the government’s agenda.

Bridging Policy and Field Experience

Officials said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between policy formulation and on-ground realities by incorporating field feedback and innovative suggestions into implementation strategies.

The session also highlighted the issue of physical soil degradation, including increasing soil hardness and declining organic carbon content due to chemical over-dependence. The Secretary encouraged participants to document success stories of farmers shifting to organic farming and to promote compost, green manure and vermicompost.

He noted that although resources are available under various schemes, limited awareness often restricts adoption. Sustainable practices, he suggested, could be expanded through collaboration with self-help groups and community-based initiatives such as Lakhpati Didis.

Field Experiments Demonstrate Impact

Specific field experiments were discussed, including initiatives by Awadhesh Singh in Gorakhpur that showed improved yields and better soil structure through balanced phosphate use.

The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary, as well as CMDs and Managing Directors of HURL and RCF, concluded with a reaffirmation of the Department’s commitment to scientific and responsible nutrient management.

Officials said the effort reflects a broader push to safeguard soil fertility for future generations while ensuring the long-term prosperity of Indian farmers.