Correct Answer :   Mansukh Mandaviya

“Under the able and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian Fertiliser Sector has achieved the twin objectives of supporting our 14 crore farming families by providing timely fertilisers, driving agronomic services, and emerging as a strong force in fertilisers sector by playing a significant role in shaping up the global market.” This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare during his inaugural address to the 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar 2023, here today. The theme of the seminar was “Innovations in Fertiliser and Agriculture Sectors”.

* Highlighting the efforts taken by the Union Government in the fertilisers sector, Dr Mandaviya said “the Government has been stepping up its support to the small and marginal farmers, prioritizing their welfare and thereby, meeting the food security goals of the nation. During the past 2-3 years, the Government of India has absorbed the impact of high global commodity prices and ensured the availability of fertilisers at stable MRP. This has resulted in stable fertiliser consumption and a record agricultural output during these years, as compared to degrowth in consumption globally. He also stated that several proactive measures intending to strengthen domestic production and plugging leakages and diversions have been taken by the government, the combined efforts of which have led to record productivity.

* On the efforts taken by the government towards self sufficiency, the Union Minister said “more than 3 million tons of Urea capacity have been revived, with additional capacity expected to come on-stream in next couple of years.” He said that the government been working towards raw material security in the Phosphatic and Potassic sectors and are encouraging Indian companies to partner in overseas ventures, long term strategic partnerships and mining. He also underscored the need to focus on promotion of integrated crop management, improving soil health through balanced nutrition, developing technologically superior products and penetrating technology from labs to farmers field to promote sustainable farming practices.

* Dr Mandaviya informed that under the PM PRANAM initiative, a mass movement has started to save the health of Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers, adopting alternate fertilisers, promoting organic farming and implementing resource conservation technologies.

* The Union Minister also highlighted the recent technological interventions made by India in the agriculture sector. He said that India is the first nation to introduce Nano fertilisers such as Nano DAP and Nano Urea through the Indian Research ecosystem. “This is one of the one-of-a-kind technology in the world and can revolutionise the nutrient application practices on earth”, he stated. He also emphasised that the “NAMO Drone Didi” scheme which was recently launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, will make drone spraying services accessible to farmers at affordable prices.

* Dr Mandaviya encouraged Indian industries to scale up and develop smart nutrients like slow release, coated and liquid fertilisers which can improve nutrient use efficiency. He informed that the government have been engaging closely with the drone manufacturers, service providers and agri companies to develop cost effective solutions and improve technology penetration. He also highlighted that the Union Government has set up close to 2 lakh Model Retail outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras which are acting as one-stop shops for all agricultural activities.

* Dr Mandaviya concluded his speech by urging the fertiliser fraternity to move towards greener ways of fertiliser manufacturing and engage reasonably to achieve the goal of alleviating global food crisis. He assured the Union Government’s support to further strengthen communication and coordination between farmers, Government and Industry..

Source : PIB