KAKV Foundation Urges Strategic Reforms in Crop Nutrient Supply for India’s Food Security
29 August 2024, New Delhi: In a recent policy paper, the Kisan-Vigyan Foundation (KAKV Foundation) raised serious concerns about the future of India’s food and feed security, with a specific focus on the critical role of crop nutrients. The think-tank, known for its fact-based research and advocacy for farmer welfare, warned that the current strategies in crop nutrition are inadequate to meet the challenges posed by a growing population, climate change, and soil degradation.
The Foundation of Food and Feed Security
India’s food and feed security, as defined by the KAKV Foundation, extends beyond mere food availability. It encompasses the accessibility of safe and nutritious food for the entire population, including the livestock that supports the agricultural economy. The 2023 Global Hunger Index, which ranks India at 111 out of 125 countries, underscores the severity of the hunger crisis. With nearly 25% of the world’s hungry population residing in India, the foundation argues that the nation cannot afford to overlook the complex interplay between crop nutrition and food security.
The Role of Crop Nutrients in Ensuring Sustainability
The KAKV Foundation’s paper highlights the crucial role of crop nutrients in sustaining national food and feed security. Before the mid-1960s, India’s agriculture relied on traditional practices like crop rotation, which, while sustainable, could not meet the food demands of a growing population. The Green Revolution (GR) of the 1960s, characterized by the introduction of high-yielding, fertilizer-responsive crop varieties, marked a turning point. Fertilizers, particularly nitrogen, played a pivotal role in this transformation. Research from Rothamsted in England and subsequent studies in India revealed that nitrogen fertilizer contributed to 80% of the yield growth observed in GR varieties.
However, the foundation warns that the current policy push to reduce fertilizer use, particularly nitrogen, could jeopardize yields and the quality of produce. This is particularly concerning given the rising costs of labor, inputs, and energy, which have already squeezed farmers’ profit margins. The paper suggests that while organic or natural farming practices are being promoted as alternatives, their effectiveness in ensuring long-term food security remains questionable.
Addressing the Imbalance in NPK Use
The KAKV Foundation identifies a significant imbalance in the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers across different regions of India. In the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP), the ratio of NPK usage is almost in line with recommendations, yet the overall crop yield is much lower compared to regions like Punjab. This discrepancy, the paper argues, highlights the limitations of focusing solely on nutrient management without addressing other agronomic practices.
In regions like Punjab, where farmers apply nitrogen more liberally and often neglect phosphorus and potassium, yields remain high. This suggests that a more holistic approach, which includes better management of irrigation, weed control, and crop timing, is necessary to optimize nutrient use and improve productivity. The foundation emphasizes the need for policies that not only promote balanced fertilization but also enhance the efficiency of nutrient uptake through improved agronomic practices.
The Importance of a Participatory Approach
One of the key recommendations of the KAKV Foundation is the adoption of a farmer-participatory approach in research and policy formulation. The foundation argues that top-down strategies, while effective in the early stages of technology adoption, often fail to address the nuanced challenges faced by farmers on the ground. By involving farmers directly in research and extension activities, policymakers can generate more accurate data and develop solutions that are practical and widely applicable.
The paper also calls for greater collaboration between scientists from different disciplines and better coordination between government departments. By leveraging the expertise of farmers and scientists alike, India can develop innovative solutions that address the complex challenges of nutrient management and crop productivity.
Towards a Holistic Nutrient Management Strategy
The KAKV Foundation concludes that India’s approach to nutrient management must be holistic, integrating soil and crop management innovations with nutrient supply strategies. Given the country’s dependence on imported fertilizers, particularly phosphorus and potassium, the foundation urges the government to take proactive measures to secure long-term supplies. This includes enabling Indian companies to invest in phosphate rock mines and production facilities abroad and developing indigenous sources of potash.
The foundation also stresses the need for policy provisions that ensure the adequate supply of secondary and micronutrients, which are critical for maintaining soil health and crop productivity. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of the agricultural sector, India can achieve its goal of food and feed security by 2047.
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