In a significant step towards strengthening participatory governance and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Department of Fertilizers has intensified its efforts to address the growing challenge of soil degradation across the country. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary (Fertilizers), today conducted a detailed virtual interaction with nearly 100 Agriculture Graduates from different parts of the country, currently serving in Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF).

The interaction focused on addressing the adverse impact of excessive and imbalanced use of urea, which has contributed to critical nutrient deficiencies, declining soil carbon levels, and overall deterioration of soil health in several regions. The Secretary emphasized the urgent need to promote balanced fertilization practices, encourage integrated nutrient management, and strengthen awareness at the grassroots level to restore soil vitality and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

By directly engaging with these young agricultural professionals—who are closely connected with farmers and field-level operations—the Department seeks to bridge the gap between policy formulation and ground realities. The initiative aims to incorporate practical feedback, field experiences, and innovative suggestions into policy implementation, thereby ensuring that national objectives on balanced fertilizer use are effectively translated into action at the farm level.

Addressing the participants, the Secretary emphasized that youth engagement is crucial for India’s agricultural transformation. He noted that while the government ensures the availability of fertilizers, the focus must shift to preventing soil damage caused by excessive use. "We are taking feedback day and night," the Secretary stated, acknowledging that these young professionals serve as a vital communication link between companies, farmers, and the government. He shared that meaningful discussions have also been held with eight Padma Shri awardees to further this mission. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision that "farmers are our VIPs," the Secretary stressed that protecting their interests through awareness and soil protection is a top priority.

The session also addressed the physical degradation of soil, specifically the increasing hardness and decreasing carbon content resulting from chemical over-dependence. The Secretary encouraged graduates to document success stories of farmers shifting to organic farming and to promote the use of compost and green manure. He noted that while resources like vermicompost are available through various schemes, a lack of information often hinders adoption. The Secretary suggested that these sustainable practices could be scaled in collaboration with Lakhpati Didis, self-help groups, and community organisations.

Specific field experiments were also discussed, such as those conducted by Awadhesh Singh in Gorakhpur, which demonstrated that balanced phosphate use leads to increased yields and better soil structure. The session, also attended by the Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary, CMD and MD from HURL and RCF concluded with a reaffirmation of the Department’s commitment to scientific nutrient management. By incorporating grassroots feedback into policy, the Department of Fertilizers aims to safeguard soil fertility for future generations while ensuring the prosperity of the Indian farmer.