Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers in the race to maximise agricultural yield on smaller farms has brought about stagnancy in soil productivity. The GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) Vice-Chancellor Matthew Prasad said this at the inauguration of a 21-day training programme on augmentation of soil and crop productivity through organics.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasad said that on the one hand productivity had been stalled by indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers while on the other hand, there is talk of bringing about a fresh green revolution in the nation. “In order to achieve such a revolution it is necessary for the soil in our farms to be healthy. This can be achieved only if organic agriculture is encouraged and the judicious use of chemical fertilisers is ensured,” he stressed.
Addressing the gathering, GBPUAT presiding officer (Agriculture) Dr J Kumar pointed out that at present the nation’s granaries are full and the nation is also exporting food grains. “However, we must be alert in the future too. The demand for organic agricultural produce is rising in the international market. Meeting this demand will not only be a good source of income but also be good for health. Organic agriculture can prove therapeutic for the soil that has become sick due to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers. Traditional knowledge related to agriculture is capable of resolving problems of productivity being faced in the agriculture sector and scientists should work on this,” he added.
The executive director (Research) Dr Ramesh Chandra said that deterioration in soil health is being observed every year. Farmers are using chemical fertilisers to tackle this situation but they should also use organic manure with the fertilsers, he added.