NITI member Chand questions continuing with 4:2:1 NPK ratio for whole country and all crops
With agriculture being the backbone of our country, it is no surprise that the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) has always been at the forefront of making policies and decisions to improve the sector. However, a recent statement by NITI member Ramesh Chand has raised some eyebrows and sparked a debate among experts in the field. Chand has questioned the effectiveness of the traditional 4:2:1 NPK ratio for fertilizers being used on all crops in the country.
For years, the 4:2:1 ratio, which stands for 4 parts nitrogen, 2 parts phosphorus, and 1 part potassium, has been considered as the ideal proportion for fertilizers to achieve maximum yield. This ratio has been followed by farmers and recommended by the government for all crops, regardless of the soil type and crop requirement. However, Chand’s statement has brought into light the shortcomings of this one-size-fits-all approach.
In his statement, Chand has pointed out that this ratio was formulated several decades ago when the fertility of Indian soils was at a different level than it is now. With the continuous and excessive use of fertilizers, the soil’s nutrient balance has been disturbed, leading to a decline in fertility. This has resulted in the need for more fertilizers to achieve the same level of yield, making the 4:2:1 ratio inadequate for today’s agriculture. Moreover, different crops have different nutrient requirements, and using the same ratio for all crops can lead to either under or over-fertilization, both of which are harmful.
Chand has also highlighted the disparity in soil fertility among different states and regions in the country. While some states have high levels of nutrients in the soil, others have severely depleted soils. Therefore, a uniform ratio for the whole country may not be appropriate. Chand suggests that a region-specific approach, considering the soil type and crop requirement, would be more effective in improving yields and reducing input costs for the farmers.
The NITI member’s statement has been met with mixed reactions from experts in the field, with some supporting his view and others opposing it. However, what is commendable about Chand’s statement is that it has sparked a much-needed discussion on the need for a revamp of our agricultural policies. It is high time we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and provide region-specific solutions for a more sustainable and productive agriculture sector.
The 4:2:1 NPK ratio was formulated at a time when the population was much lower, and the focus was on increasing production to meet the country’s food demand. However, with the increase in population and the changing climate conditions, the focus now should be on sustainable and efficient agriculture. This calls for a reassessment of our fertilizer usage and policies.
While it is undeniable that fertilizers play a crucial role in achieving higher yields, the excessive and unbalanced use of them has resulted in negative externalities such as soil erosion, water pollution, and health hazards. According to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), India’s fertilizer consumption is among the highest in the world, with a significant portion of it being wasteful and not contributing to higher yields. The 4:2:1 ratio has also been blamed for this excessive use of fertilizers, as farmers try to meet the recommended ratio, resulting in the over-application of nutrients.
It is time to break away from this cycle of over-dependence on fertilizers and start focusing on soil health and nutrient management. The government’s recent initiatives like the Soil Health Card scheme and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) have been steps in the right direction towards promoting sustainable agriculture. However, to achieve the desired results, we need to revamp our fertilizer usage patterns and address the regional and crop-specific nutrient requirements.
To conclude, NITI member Chand’s statement has brought to light the need for a re-evaluation of our agricultural practices and policies. Continuing with the 4:2:1 NPK ratio for the whole country and all crops may not be the most efficient approach in today’s scenario. It is time to move towards region-specific and crop-specific solutions for a more sustainable and productive agriculture sector. The government must take a holistic approach and involve all stakeholders to chalk out a comprehensive
