National Academy Of Agricultural Sciences Organizes A Brainstorming Session To Develop A Roadmap For Achieving Atmanirbharta In Fertilizers

On April 15, 2026, in New Delhi, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) organized a Brainstorming session (BSS) to develop a roadmap for achieving self-reliance in fertilizers. Representatives from various government departments, academia, the fertilizer industry, and farmers participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in this crucial sector.

Following the session, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Research and Education under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with the DG of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research and President of NAAS, Dr. M.L. Jat, addressed a press conference. Dr. Jat highlighted India’s goal of achieving self-reliance by 2047, with a key role assigned to the agricultural sector. While fertilizers were instrumental in the Green Revolution for increasing production, the current challenge lies in declining fertilizer use efficiency and indiscriminate application.

Dr. Jat stressed the need to reduce import dependency, as India consumes nearly 33 million tonnes of fertilizers annually, a significant portion of which is imported. He outlined the necessity for a comprehensive approach, including initiatives such as Soil Health, promoting balanced and need-based fertilizer application, and raising awareness among farmers.

To optimize fertilizer use, Dr. Jat recommended leveraging modern technologies like precision nutrient management, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based systems. He also suggested crop diversification, recycling organic waste, and increasing the use of biological sources to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

The brainstorming session participants advocated for a multi-pronged strategy with short, medium, and long-term research and development goals, emphasizing the need for policies to support these objectives. They proposed strengthening fertilizer research, exploring smart alternate fertilizers, utilizing indigenous minerals, and enhancing soil health through various measures.

There was consensus on the need for a Mission Mode Program to promote Integrated Nutrient Supply and Management (INSAM) to reduce mineral fertilizer use with organic manures. The discussion also focused on reforming fertilizer policies, including subsidy restructuring, promoting good agricultural practices, and exploring options for direct cash transfers to farmers.

The article provided background on India’s agricultural transformation since the Green Revolution, highlighting the central role of fertilizers in enhancing food grain production and ensuring food security. However, it pointed out the challenges of import dependence, inefficient fertilizer use, and imbalanced nutrient consumption, leading to productivity constraints and environmental degradation.

Total fertilizer consumption in 2024-25 was 32.93 million tonnes, with a skewed consumption ratio towards nitrogen. The article underscored the need for self-reliance in fertilizer production, especially in light of recent global developments impacting the supply chain. The call to rethink policies and prioritize research and development towards self-reliance was emphasized.