In a move aimed at safeguarding the health of India’s agricultural soils and promoting balanced fertilizer use, the Department of Fertilizers has launched an initiative to actively involve young professionals in the campaign. As part of this effort, Fertilizers Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra held an extensive virtual interaction with nearly 100 agriculture graduates working with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF).
The primary focus of the discussion was the impact of imbalanced urea consumption on soil quality. The Secretary sought direct feedback from field-level agriculture professionals regarding how excessive urea application affects nutrient balance, soil organic carbon levels, and overall soil structure. He emphasized that sustainable agricultural systems require the effective implementation of balanced fertilizer use and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices at the grassroots level.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that “farmers are our VIPs,” the Secretary underlined that protecting farmers’ interests and enhancing their awareness remains a top priority for the government. He described youth as a pivotal force in agricultural transformation, capable of serving as a strong communication bridge between policymakers, companies, and farmers. He added that policies are continuously being refined based on real-time field feedback.
As part of the broader outreach strategy, the Department has already consulted eight Padma Shri awardees to gather insights on sustainable farming practices. Agriculture graduates were encouraged to document success stories of farmers adopting organic and natural farming practices and to promote awareness about composting and green manure application.
During the interaction, participants suggested leveraging community networks such as Self-Help Groups and the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative to disseminate information on vermicomposting and soil health schemes at the household level. An example from Gorakhpur was shared, where agriculture graduate Avadhesh Singh observed that balanced fertilizer use not only improved crop productivity but also enhanced soil structure and long-term fertility.
Senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers, along with top management representatives from HURL and RCF, were also present at the session. The meeting concluded with a commitment to integrate field-level experiences into future policy design, ensuring that soil fertility is preserved for future generations while strengthening the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.
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