Government Engages Youth to Promote Balanced Fertilizer Use and Combat Soil Degradation
New Delhi, 18 February 2026: In a major step towards sustainable agriculture, the Department of Fertilizers, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has reached out to young agricultural professionals to gather insights on promoting balanced fertilizer use and tackling soil degradation across India.
Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary (Fertilizers), conducted a detailed virtual session with nearly 100 agriculture graduates working with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF). The interaction focused on the adverse effects of excessive and imbalanced use of urea, which has led to critical nutrient deficiencies, reduced soil carbon content, and declining soil health in multiple regions.
Emphasizing the importance of youth participation, the Secretary highlighted that agriculture graduates serve as crucial links between farmers, fertilizer companies, and policymakers. He stressed that incorporating practical feedback and field-level experiences into policymaking is essential to ensure the effective implementation of balanced fertilization practices and integrated nutrient management.
Key points from the discussion included:
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Promotion of sustainable soil practices, such as organic farming, use of compost, and green manure.
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Encouragement to document and scale successful farmer experiments in balanced phosphate and nutrient application.
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Collaboration with self-help groups, community organizations, and Lakhpati Didis to enhance grassroots adoption of eco-friendly practices.
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Engagement with award-winning farmers (including eight Padma Shri recipients) to further policy implementation.
The Secretary highlighted the government’s commitment to prevent soil degradation while ensuring farmer prosperity, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision that “farmers are our VIPs.” The session also included participation from the Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, CMD, and MD of HURL and RCF.
Through this initiative, the Department aims to bridge the gap between policy formulation and ground realities, ensuring long-term soil fertility and agricultural sustainability for future generations.