Ignorance and excessive use of chemical fertilisers by farmers in Uttar Pradesh are posing a significant threat to both the soil and human health, according to a report prepared by the Agriculture department.
The report, based on a survey conducted in 15 districts, highlights the need for creating awareness among farmers to prevent future crises.
“The excessive use of chemical fertilisers not only harms the soil but also poses risks to human health.
The department has submitted a report to the government, emphasising the need to raise awareness among farmers to prevent future troubles,” Ashok Mitta told ‘The Pioneer’ on Wednesday. The impact of high nitrogen levels extends beyond the immediate health risks. It also contributes to climate change and groundwater pollution, affecting the environment and overall ecosystem.
The excessive use of chemical fertilisers leads to nitrogen loss through evaporation and leaching, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions and contamination of water sources.”The Agriculture department’s report highlights the need for a shift towards more environmentally friendly farming methods to mitigate these consequences,” Mitta said. While the government has been promoting natural farming, farmers in the state continue to rely heavily on chemical fertilisers in their quest for higher crop yields.
This has led to a decline in soil fertility and an imbalance in essential elements. The report, presented by Joint Director Fertilisers Dr Amit Pathak to top officials of the Agriculture department, emphasises the urgent need for action. The survey focused on four major crops: paddy, sugarcane, potato and wheat. The nitrogen levels in these crops were specifically examined, with the recommended levels being 150 in paddy, 180 in sugarcane and potato, and 150 per hectare in wheat.
However, it was found that farmers in 15 districts were using more nitrogen than the prescribed standards. In districts such as Shamli, Sambhal, Farrukhabad, Hapur, Kannauj, Prayagraj and Meerut, the nitrogen levels exceeded 200. “Excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers not only hampers crop growth but also has serious consequences for human health. Plants only utilise around 30 per cent of the applied nitrogen as urea, while the excess is lost through evaporation and leaching. This excessive nitrogen use contributes to climate change and groundwater pollution,” Dr Pathak said.
He said urea seeping into the ground combines with nitrogen to form nitrosamines, which could lead to diseases like cancer, reduction of red blood cells and the formation of tumors when contaminated water is consumed. Furthermore, the purification process of fertilisers such as DAP, which is derived from rock phosphate, introduces heavy elements like cobalt, cadmium and uranium into the soil and water.
These elements can have adverse effects on human health. Dr Pathak explains, “During purification, heavy elements such as cobalt, cadmium and uranium remain in it, the use of which contaminates soil and water.” Consuming crops grown in such contaminated soil can lead to health complications. To address these issues, the Agriculture department has established soil testing laboratories at the tehsil and block levels in the state.
These labs assess the levels of various elements in the soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, sulphur, zinc and boron. Farmers are urged to get their soil tested to identify any deficiencies and adjust their fertiliser usage accordingly. Dr Pathak recommends using nano urea 40 days after sowing the crop, as it requires less quantity and provides longer-lasting benefits.
Agriculture Production Commissioner Manoj Kumar Singh has directed the Agriculture department to conduct similar surveys for other crops as well. The aim is to formulate an action plan and raise awareness among farmers about potential harms of excessive fertiliser use. Singh emphasises that just because there is no shortage of fertilisers does not mean they should be used beyond crop demand, as this can have detrimental effects. The findings of this report underscore urgent need for a shift towards sustainable farming practices in Uttar Pradesh.