Bhubaneswar: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday acknowledged the challenges in procuring fertilizers from the international market and urged states and farmers to increasingly adopt organic farming as an alternative.
Addressing the Eastern Province Agriculture Conference in Bhubaneswar, Chouhan said the Center was making every effort to ensure availability of fertilizers to farmers despite global supply constraints.
“I have no hesitation in admitting that fertilizers are not easily available in the international market. The Government of India is trying hard to procure fertilizers from wherever they are available for our farmers,” he said.
He stressed the need to prevent the diversion and misuse of subsidized fertilizers during the ongoing supply crisis.
“We have to ensure that subsidized fertilizers are not diverted to any other sector. At the same time, duplication and poor quality fertilizers, which negatively impact crops and farmers, must also be checked. States must take strict action wherever such irregularities are found,” Chouhan said.
Referring to the recent Cabinet decision of approval $41,000 crore for fertilizer subsidy, he said the Center remains committed to supporting farmers.
He also called on countries and farmers to promote organic agriculture to maintain soil health for future generations.
“Every farmer should start organic farming on at least part of his land,” he said.
The minister said that the Center plans to introduce two new draft laws aimed at strengthening the legal framework to ensure the availability of high-quality pesticides and seeds.
Expressing concern about the potential impact of El Niño on agriculture this year, Chouhan said forecasts indicate a possible lack of rainfall during the middle of the crop season.
“In such a situation, farmers should be advised to grow crops that are less susceptible to rainfall fluctuations,” he said.
Chouhan said that a ‘Farm Save Campaign’ will be organized from June 1 to 15 to spread awareness among farmers about modern agricultural techniques and government plans.
Those present at the conference included Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Agriculture Ministers Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Chaudhary, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, and agriculture ministers from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
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