World Soil Day 2024: Addressing India’s Alarming Soil Health Crisis
05 December 2024, New Delhi: On this World Soil Day, the spotlight falls on the pressing issue of soil health, a cornerstone of agricultural productivity and food security. For India, where over 50% of the population depends on agriculture, deteriorating soil quality has become a critical concern. Alarmingly, over 30% of India’s soil suffers from degradation, affecting its ability to support sustainable farming practices.
India’s Soil Health in Numbers
Recent studies reveal that nearly 40% of agricultural land in India shows significant nutrient deficiencies, with a 23% decline in soil organic carbon levels over the past two decades. The misuse of nitrogenous fertilizers like urea has disrupted the NPK ratio, currently at 7:2.8:1, far from the ideal 4:2:1, severely impacting soil fertility.
The Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas 2023 highlights that approximately 97 million hectares, or 29.3% of India’s land, are affected by desertification. Erosion alone causes the loss of about 15 tons of topsoil per hectare annually, translating to an economic loss exceeding ₹50,000 crore every year.
A Farmer’s Struggle
Ramesh, who cultivates 10 acres of soybean in Vidisha district, has seen his yields dwindle year after year despite adhering to modern farming practices. In 2020, his fields produced a robust 15 quintals per hectare, but by 2024, this had dropped to just 11 quintals per hectare, even after using high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
“Every season, I follow all the recommendations—apply fertilizers, use pesticides, and water regularly. But my fields don’t give the same yield. It feels like the soil is tired,” says Ramesh. Soil tests revealed high nitrogen but depleted organic carbon and micronutrient levels, a common issue in intensive soybean farming.
Impact on Food Security and the Economy
With India’s population projected to touch 1.7 billion by 2050, the demand for food grains is expected to rise to 350 million tonnes, a steep climb from the current 329 million tonnes. Soil degradation poses a severe threat to achieving this target, as declining yields directly affect farmer incomes and national economic stability. Studies estimate that poor soil health could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 20-30% in the coming decades if corrective measures are not taken.
Government Initiatives for Soil Revival
The Indian government has implemented several schemes to combat this crisis. Soil Health Card Scheme launched in 2015, this program has distributed over 28 crore cards, enabling farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer use. Reports show that farmers using these recommendations reduced fertilizer costs by 10-25% and improved yields by 5-6%.
In FY 2024-25, the government allocated ₹1.64 trillion for fertilizer subsidies, emphasizing efficiency and reduced dependency on nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. The push for nano-fertilizers is part of this strategy, with trials showing a 20% reduction in nitrogen use without compromising yields.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focusses on integrated nutrient management and organic farming. This mission has supported over 40 lakh hectares of organic farming under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) under NMSA promotes zero-budget natural farming, benefiting over 7 lakh farmers across 11 lakh hectares.
Collaborative Solutions for the Future
While government schemes lay the groundwork, private sector involvement is vital for scaling sustainable practices. Fertilizer companies must innovate, focusing on bio-fertilizers, nano-technology, and eco-friendly products. Collaborative efforts between research institutes and industry stakeholders are needed to ensure wide-scale adoption of regenerative farming techniques.
World Soil Day as a Wake-Up Call
On this day, it is essential to recognize that soil health is not just an agricultural issue but a national priority. The economic losses from soil degradation, estimated at over ₹70,000 crore annually, underscore the need for urgent action. With combined efforts from policymakers, scientists, and farmers, India can rejuvenate its soil and ensure food security for future generations.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a prosperous nation. On World Soil Day 2024, let us commit to restoring and preserving this precious resource for a sustainable future.
Please reach out at info@krishakjagat.org, nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org if you would like to share your company story or advertise in the upcoming issue of Global Agriculture magazine.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)
(+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
