NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Theme : Agriculture, Govt Policies, Technology to Farmers Aid
Paper :GS-1, GS-2
In order to reduce the negative impact on the ecological dynamics, use of fertilizers and pesticides should be reduced and sustainable alternatives should be explored.
They are the generic name given to chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Agrochemicals, as the name suggests, are used in agriculture to facilitate plant growth and protection. They are also called agricultural chemicals.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Context
- Agrochemicals
- Current Synthetic Fertilizer & Pesticide Usage in India
- Issues Pertaining to Fertilizers & Pesticides Usage
- Solution : ZBNF
- Road Ahead
Context :
In order to reduce the negative impact on the ecological dynamics, use of fertilizers and pesticides should be reduced and sustainable alternatives should be explored.
Agrochemicals :
- They are the generic name given to chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Agrochemicals, as the name suggests, are used in agriculture to facilitate plant growth and protection. They are also called agricultural chemicals.
- These chemicals were initially used to improve crop production, however, their overuse has now affected the environment. Agrochemicals seep into the surrounding land and water bodies, entering the food chain which leads to bioaccumulation.
Current Synthetic Fertilizer & Pesticide Usage in India :
- Fertilizers: During FY20, India consumed about 61 million tonnes of fertilizer, of which 55% was urea, in FY21, this figure is estimated to have risen to 65 million tonnes.
- Currently, the fertilizer production of the country is 42-45 million tonnes, and imports are at around 18 million tonnes..
- Pesticides: Pesticides are regulated in India through the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.
- Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and fungicides are examples of well-known pesticides.
- The Indian pesticides market reached a value of around INR 212 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach INR 320 Billion by 2027.
Issues Pertaining to Fertilizers & Pesticides Usage :
- Biomagnification: The chemicals used in the synthetic fertilizers contain highly toxic substances resulting in accumulation of toxic substances (biomagnification) in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain deteriorating their health.
- Inappropriate Use of Fertilizers: 292 out of the 525 districts (56%) in the country account for 85% of its fertilizer use. In addition, the ratio of consumption of fertilizer has been skewed towards urea.
- Creating Dead Zones: Chemical fertilizers contain phosphates, nitrates, when left unused in soil can run off into coastal waters, lakes and streams, resulting in eutrophication ( addition of excessive amounts of nutrients).It also catalyzes the growth of algae.
- Deteriorating Soil Health: Agrochemicals overuse can contribute to soil acidification, thereby reducing the content of organic matter (humus content) stunting plant growth and even leading to the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Disproportionate Usage of Pesticides: Due to lack of scientific awareness regarding the proportionate use of pesticide, a large number of farmers in India end up using excessive amounts of pesticides.
SOLUTION : ZBNF
Key principles of Zero Budget Natural Farming:
- Zero external inputs
- Crops to cover the soil for 365 days (Living Root)
- Soil disturbance at a minimum
- Biostimulants as essential catalysts
- Utilize native seed for mixed farming
- Mixed cropping
- The incorporation of trees onto the farm
- Conservation of moisture and water
- Bring animals into farming
- More organic debris in the soil
- Using plant extracts to control pests
- No artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
Road Ahead :
- Towards Organic Farming: A slow but significant shift towards chemical-free agriculture is required, as well as promoting natural and organic methods
- Inclusion of Bio-Fertilizers: Use of biofertilizers (like Rhizobium) should be promoted as they are cost effective, eco-friendly and when they are required in bulk can be generated at the farm itself.
- Ensuring Year-Round Ground Cover: In erosion-prone regions, farmers can plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground on farm fields when the soil (and the soil and nutrients it contains) are most susceptible to erosion and loss into waterways.
- Rural Fertilizer Banks: Fertilizers can be regulated by setting up rural fertilizer banks. Aadhaar-linked accounts should be required for fertilizer purchases, and digital records of sales can be kept that can be used at the time of crop surveillance.
- Crop Audit and Farmer Awareness: Panchayat level crop audit can be conducted by experts from time to time to trace the content of fertilizers and pesticides.