New Delhi, January 3: With an emphasis on farmer-centric policies, timely availability of fertilizers and improved soil health, the Department of Fertilizers on Friday organised a day-long Chintan Shivir in New Delhi to deliberate on balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agricultural practices.
The brainstorming session was attended by senior officials of the Department of Fertilizers and state governments, scientists, and representatives from the fertilizer industry, who interacted with Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State Anupriya Patel.
Addressing the gathering, Jagat Prakash Nadda said the Prime Minister has consistently placed farmers at the centre of governance, and government policies must aim to improve farmers’ livelihoods. He said that despite multiple challenges, the Department of Fertilizers ensured a seamless supply of fertilizers to farmers across the country. Nadda added that farmer-friendly measures adopted by the department helped India achieve record fertilizer production, supplemented by necessary imports during the year.
He also underlined the need for coordinated efforts among various central government departments to address issues such as balanced fertilizer usage and the diversion or misuse of fertilizers for non-agricultural purposes.
Minister of State Anupriya Patel said the Prime Minister envisions India emerging as a global food basket, and the ideas generated during the Chintan Shivir would contribute towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Fertilizer Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra said the government, public sector undertakings and the private sector collectively placed farmers at the centre of deliberations during the event. He noted that the interactive format of the Shivir allowed every idea to be discussed, with expectations of concrete outcomes from collective wisdom.
The one-day programme, held at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi, saw 15 groups engaging in detailed discussions and offering recommendations to the government. The Union Minister, Minister of State and Fertilizer Secretary interacted with each group individually to hear their suggestions.
The discussions covered 15 key themes, including new-age fertilizers, self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, farmer outreach and awareness, digital interventions to strengthen the fertilizer ecosystem, and the Nutrient-Based Subsidy regime.
Senior officials from fertilizer public sector undertakings, along with representatives of cooperative societies and private companies, also participated in the Chintan Shivir.
