Environment Friendly Alternate Fertilizer Usage is the Need of the Hour

Farmers and agriculture sector is the backbone of any country. Over the years, India has seen substantial growth in the sector. Fertilizer industry continues to contribute to increase in agricultural productivity and farmers’ income and the government will continue to support efforts. It is heartening to note that there has been serious discussion on possible reforms within the sector, both inside and outside the government. Mansukh L Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers while addressing 1500 delegates from 45 countries at The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) 55^th Annual Seminar spoke about different avenues that will be explored for the development of agriculture sector. Over the years, India has seen substantial growth in this sector. Fertilizer industry continues to contribute to increase in agricultural productivity and farmers’ income and the government will continue to support efforts. 

Launching the Fertilizer Statistics and Specialty Fertilizers & Micronutrient Statistics, containing updated ‘Zinc Statistics’, the minister said, Farmers and agriculture sector is the backbone of any country. Over the years, India has seen substantial growth in the sector. Fertilizer industry continues to contribute to increase in agricultural productivity and farmers’ income and the government will continue to support efforts. It is heartening to note that there has been serious discussion on possible reforms within the sector, both inside and outside the government.

Emphasising on the importance of sustainable growth of the sector, he also added, “Environment friendly alternate fertilizer usage is the need of the hour. We assure subsidy on alternate fertilizers, micronutrient including zinc and urge the fertilizer companies and industry association to adopt both chemical and organic fertilizers to boost the agricultural output.”

The ministerial address was followed by series of awards including the International Zinc Association (IZA)–FAI award on promoting the use of Zinc in Agriculture to Dr. Vijay Pooniya, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Other award winners include Dr. Debarup Das, Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi (FAI Golden Jublie Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in Fertilizer Usage); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd. (Best Technical Innovation Award); Rashtriya Chemical & Fertilizer Ltd. and National Fertilizer Ltd, Vijaipur (Award for Excellence in Safety) amongst others.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Soumitra Das, Director, South Asia - Zinc Nutrient Initiative, International Zinc Association said, “Zinc has emerged as the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in soils and crops worldwide, resulting in severe yield losses and deterioration in nutritional quality. We have seen a remarkable increase of about 200% growth in consumption of zinc in fertilizers in India in the last 7-8 years, owing to joint efforts by IZA, FAI, academia and the government. With changes in policy measures and increased awareness, we can make headwinds in popularizing micronutrients in balanced fertilizer use across sectors.”

FAI Annual Seminar is an important international event that provides a unique opportunity to bring knowledge, information and opinions to a single platform. Delegates from India and abroad interact with the leaders of the fertilizer industry, decision makers in the Government and other stakeholders. It also provides forum for all those associated with fertilizer and agriculture sectors to enhance their professional capabilities and further their business interests The FAI annual seminar's theme this year is ‘New Approach to Fertilizer Sector’. The event will explore the possibilities of bringing major changes in the policies related to fertilizer subsidy, controls on the industry and quality regulations.

Fertilizer Association of India

Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) is a non-profit and non-trading organization representing mainly the fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, importers, equipment manufacturers, research institutes and suppliers of inputs. The Association was established in 1955 with the objective of bringing together all concerned with the production, marketing and use of fertilizers with a view to: Assist the industry in improving its operational efficiency; Find solutions to the problems faced by the fertilizer industry and agriculture; Promote balanced and efficient use of fertilizers;  Encourage use of more and better plant foods and Promote consideration and discussion of all issues that contribute to sound agricultural practices.

International Zinc Association

The International Zinc Association (IZA) was created in 1991 by a group of leading zinc & steel producers to represent the zinc industry globally. IZA’s activities are to sustainably grow markets and maintain the industry’s license to operate through effectively managed initiatives in research and development, technology transfer, and communication of the value of zinc. Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and the essentiality of zinc in human health and crop nutrition.