The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the apex body of agriculture scientists headed by director-general of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), on Tuesday emphasised on strengthening research for development of smart alternate fertilisers among other measures to become self-sufficient in crop nutrients by 2047.

Addressing media after a day-long brainstorming session to develop a roadmap for achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in fertilizers, ICAR’s DG M L Jat said that the roadmap should emphasise strengthening fertiliser research for development of smart alternate fertilisers, utilisation of unexploited indigenous minerals (glauconite, phosphate rocks, mica, polyhalite) and industrial by-products.

He stressed on the increased use of biologicals, exploiting the potential of soil microbiome, improved composting techniques, crop breeding for enhanced NUE, good agricultural practices (GAP) involving precision nutrient management integrating fertilisers and organics, soil health restoration, crop diversification and residue recycling.

Current challenge

The closed-door meeting held in New Delhi was attended by representatives from concerned government departments, academia, fertiliser industry and farmers where it was unanimously agreed on the necessity of achieving Atmanirbharta in this critical sector.

Jat said that India has set a target of achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047, and the agricultural sector will play a pivotal role in this journey. While fertilisers were instrumental during the Green Revolution in boosting production, the current challenge lies in declining fertiliser use efficiency and their indiscriminate application, NAAS said in a statement.

Highlighting that the country consumes nearly 33 million tonne of fertilisers (in terms of nutrients) annually, he said a significant share of it comes through import, either through raw materials or finished products. Stating that reducing import dependency has become imperative, he said it needs a comprehensive approach, separate short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies. Strengthening initiatives like the Soil Health, promoting balanced and need-based fertilizer application, and enhancing awareness among farmers are important steps in this direction, he said.

Mission mode mooted

Modern technologies such as precision nutrient management, artificial intelligence and sensor-based systems to optimise fertilizer use should be adopted. Crop diversification towards pulses and oilseeds, recycling organic waste under the Waste-to-Wealth initiative, and increasing the use of biological sources will further contribute to reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, he added.

It was also emphasised that there is need to launch a mission mode programme to promote Integrated Nutrient Supply and Management (INSAM). The goal of proposed mission would be to replace at least 25 per cent of current mineral fertiliser use with organic manures in the next three years.

Availability of cheap urea is a principal disincentive to make its efficient use or to stop making its over-use, NAAS said that proportionally under-used (than recommended) P and K fertilisers, due to more expensive, provokes their deficiencies in soil and crops. The body has recommended bringing urea in the ambit of nutrient-based subsidy, linking subsidies with soil health card and disbursing subsidy to the farmers as direct cash transfer.

Published on April 14, 2026