Need to Attract Investment in Phosphatics says S. Sankarasubramanian at FAI's Annual Seminar 2021

The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) is conducting its Annual Seminar 2021 from December 1-3 at the Indian Habitat Centre on the theme “Challenges in Fertilizer and Agriculture” and today is the 2nd day of the Seminar which started at 11:00 am.

There will be presentations on economic policies, climate-resilient agriculture, technology progress in fertilizer production, and fertilizer product marketing efficiency. The day was divided into 2 sessions and the topics discussed in the sessions were: Challenges of Indian Fertilizer Sector and Meeting Challenges in Agriculture.

Many prominent speakers were part of this seminar and shared their valuable thoughts and one of them was S Sankarasubramanian, President- Fertilisers, Coromandel International Limited, Secunderabad, Telangana.

Points Highlighted by S Sankarasubramanian:

During his speech, he highlighted many important points like how to be Atma Nirbhar in Phosphatics, promotion of SSP as a viable alternative, Leveraging technology- promoting drone usage, and promoting integrated nutrient management. Let’s discuss all those points discussed by him:

1. Atma Nirbharta in Phosphatics 

• Need to attract investment in Phosphatics: Unlike Urea, no incentives to NPK Manufacturers for efficiency improvement & value addition projects –ensure reasonable returns on investments

• Providing capital access at low cost, including production-based incentives, fast-tracking/ single window project clearances

• Need fiscal support for attracting fresh investments- tax breaks for a defined period for new NPK and intermediate capacities

2. Promotion of SSP as a Viable Alternative

• Support in setting up NABL accredited labs for improved quality checks and standardizing the quality process

• Simplification of introduction process of new rocks will diversify important sources and reduce over-dependence on a few sources

3. Promoting Integrated Nutrient Management

• Crop response to primary nutrients halved- Need for Integrated Nutrient Management, Blending of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients.

• Limited sources of organic fertilizers- city compost, manure, vermin-compost can be extended to Agri residue, sewage

4. Leveraging Technology- Promoting Drone Usage:

• The faster rate of application- 25 acre/day

• Precision- Sensor-based & Site-specific

• Can operate over difficult terrain- Paddy, Orchard, Sugarcane, etc

He said, “Government and industry partnerships have strengthened significantly in driving Indian agriculture, and going forward, the industry expects the reforms to further support sustainable farm practices.”